Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Pictus Catfish

Pimelodus pictus Steindachner, 1876

Also called Pictus cat, Spotted pim, Pim pictus, Angelicus catfish (trade name)

SpeciesShort profile

From South America: the Amazon and Orinoco basins.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Length11 to 12 cm1 3

Lifespan4 to 8 years1

Sizesmall

FishBase gives 11 cm total length; Seriously Fish gives around 12 cm.

Typical in captivity; FishBase notes one individual reached 18 years.

Very long, elegant barbels

Fast, agile swimmer

Lively in a group

2 3

Looks how to spot one

Smooth-skinned (scaleless) catfish

A sleek, silvery catfish with black spots and stripes, a forked tail and a downturned mouth. Its whisker-like barbels are extremely long and can reach back to the tail. The dorsal and pectoral fins carry sharp spines.2

ColoursSilverBlack spotsBlack stripes2 3

Personality what they are like

Peaceful toward fish too big to eat, but it is a natural predator of very small fish. Young fish shoal; adults become more territorial.3 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Highly active, especially at night, and needs plenty of open swimming room. A lone fish tends to hide by day, while a group of six or more is more outgoing.2 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Seriously Fish lists 22-25 C, pH 5.8-6.8 and 1-15 dGH; FishBase gives 22-25 C and pH 6.0-8.0. Use a long tank and a soft substrate. The spines can snag in nets, so move it with a container.3 1 2

Home where they are happiest

Minimum 120 x 45 x 45 cm (about 243 litres) to give it room to swim.3 1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivorous with a taste for meaty foods: bloodworm, earthworms and other frozen or live foods, plus sinking pellets and some vegetables.3 2

Company who they like around

Best in a group of six or more with robust, active tankmates such as rainbowfish, larger characins and sturdy catfish.3

The story where it all began

Austrian ichthyologist Franz Steindachner described the pictus in 1876. It is valued in the aquarium trade and also in local fisheries, and two forms with larger or finer spots are known.1 2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Its barbels can stretch all the way back to its tail fin.2
2
It is sometimes sold under the wrong name 'angelicus cat'.2
3
Fish from Colombia tend to have fine spots, while Peruvian fish have larger body spots.3
4
One pictus in captivity reached 18 years of age.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 27 December 2020)1
Taxonomy: Family Pimelodidae; described by Franz Steindachner in 18761

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Pictus Catfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Pictus Catfish?

Feed your Pictus Catfish small amounts once or twice daily. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding every day. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet. Pet Wiki plan

What does a Pictus Catfish eat, and what should it never eat?

Your Pictus Catfish enjoys a varied diet of meaty foods like bloodworm and earthworms, plus sinking pellets and some vegetables. Avoid feeding anything that could harm it; consult your vet for a complete list of unsafe foods.3 2

How much space does a Pictus Catfish need?

Your Pictus Catfish needs a spacious tank of at least 120x45x45 cm, which is about 243 litres, to swim freely.3 1

What temperature, light or water does a Pictus Catfish need?

Keep the water temperature between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius, with a pH of 5.8 to 8.0 and soft water. Use a long tank with a soft substrate. Normal lighting is fine.3 1 2

How often should I clean a Pictus Catfish's home?

Furry Diary's plan recommends a 25% water change every week, along with testing the water and cleaning the glass. Rinse the filter in old tank water once a month. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Pictus Catfish live with others?

Yes, your Pictus Catfish is peaceful with fish too big to eat and does best in a group of six or more. Good tankmates include rainbowfish, larger characins, and sturdy catfish. Avoid very small fish.3 2

How long does a Pictus Catfish live?

Your Pictus Catfish can live a happy 4 to 8 years with proper care.1

Can I handle a Pictus Catfish?

It is best not to handle your Pictus Catfish because its fins have sharp spines that can snag nets. Always use a container to move it.3 2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Upside-down Catfish

Synodontis Petricola

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

FishBase: Pimelodus pictus summary fishbase.seused for distribution, length, water parameters, IUCN, lifespan, uses
Wikipedia: Pimelodus pictus en.wikipedia.orgused for names, description, behaviour, diet, forms
Seriously Fish: Pimelodus pictus seriouslyfish.comused for names, size, tank size, water parameters, diet, compatibility, colour forms

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.