Their natural habitat has plenty of wood and rocks for them to use as a place to hide in between feeding. The Pictus Catfish is a memeber of the antenna catfish group and usually has a pale to gray body with a black spotted pattern. First, let’s take a look at the water parameters for the catfish: As you can see, these two types of fish require similar water parameters, although there are some things to consider. Like cichlids, catfish are extremely diverse. This is very important: don’t overcrowd the tank in any case. However, you can also consider keeping them together with other species such as the pictus catfish, considering you set everything up correctly and make sure they get enough space and food. I’ve kept pictus cats with a few species of freshwater sharks as well, so you have a lot of options. Disclosure: I may earn a commission when you purchase through my affiliate links. Pictus Catfish Tank Size – Important Things to Consider. I checked the whole tank. If you consider everything we’ve said here and if you make sure that the requirements are met, then they will happily live together. Sat Mar 28, 2009 1:38 am The synodontis do very well as they rarely get bullied and just push larger cichlids out of their way yet don't bully the cichlids … If the fish are of a similar size to their size, and if you make sure they have proper living conditions, then there should be absolutely no problems. Login Form. As we’ve already said, the catfish can have a predatory attitude towards smaller fish and especially juvenile fish from other species. Your email address will not be published. ... Lake Malawi Mbuna Cichlids Malawi Peacock Cichlids Haps / Victorians Lake Tanganyika Cichlids Catfish / Plecos / Other Food (Locally Produced) Home >> Catfish / Plecos / Other. Temperament / Behavior: They are very active but not all that aggressive and can be kept with similar sized tank mates. If you really want to keep these two fish species together, make sure you provide these hiding spots for your catfish. Try to sell your girlfriend on Synodontis Petricola or Lucipinnis. Do Pictus Catfish Need a Filter? Live arrival guaranteed! AqAdvisor – Useful when determine which fish can live together. I used to have a pictus catfish back when they were all babies and they got along, however the pictus got ick and died. All Rights Reserved. https://www.youtube.com/c/AdamPowers01/live, Your email address will not be published. Another thing you’ll want to make sure of is that your catfish have enough hiding spots. Seneye – Electronic monitoring of aquarium water quality, The Cichlid Forum – Hardcore Cichlid People, Useful general purpose aquarium calculator, Wet Spot Tropical Fish – I buy fish from these guys. Pictus catfish with goldfish. Neither male nor female pictus catfish … The female pictus catfish will lay their eggs in sandy or muddy substrate. Lastly, the hardness should be between 12 and 18Dh, which is great for both fish. See this fish live on The Cichlid Show: Catfish (Corydoras) Catfish (Synodontis) Catfish/Scavenger Central American (asst.) If you want a couple of fish from both species, then you might want a 100-gallon tank, perhaps, or even more in some cases. But what about African cichlids? Regular Glass for Aquarium Builds, Advanced LED Aquarium Lighting (Malawi Cichlids), Detailed Plans for 187G L-shaped Corner Aquarium, Melanochromis Cichlid vs. Synodontis Catfish, Redundant Heaters for Consistent Aquarium Temperature Control, Automating Aquarium Lights with the iHome SmartPlug, Maintaining Malawi Cichlid Water Chemisty with Seachem. Breeding the pictus catfish is notoriously hard. Pictus cats also usually get along well with other catfish like Upside-Downs, Otocinclus, and Plecostomus. You’ll need a bigger tank if you want to keep both of these species together. This silver and black fish is a very difficult critter to determine the gender of. You can keep the fish with catfish of similar size or larger. Hiding spots such as plants, rocks, and small caves are possibly the best for your catfish. The lifespan of pictus catfish is usually about 8- 10 years. But when they are around other fish, they get shy sometimes, which is when you should have the hiding spots ready for your catfish. This is primarily due to the ease of care and the distinct “catfish” look it brings to your tank. In this article, we’ll take a look at whether you can keep pictus catfish and African cichlids together, and what you need to ensure before you can consider having them together. Pictus Catfish Tank Size – Important Things to Consider. Your email address will not be published. Choose South American catfish for a South American cichlid tank and African catfish for an African cichlid tank to avoid disease problems. They are usually known as fish that like to be kept in one-species tanks only, as they prefer to hang around buddies from their own species. I thought it would come out thoe so I don't really think it would. The spotted Raphael catfish, hifin catfish, upside down catfish, ocellifer catfish and spotted catfish are all suitable as tankmates for African cichlids. The pictus catfish is a common catfish species in the aquarium trade. Pictus Catfish Breeding. if the "feather fish" is a feather fin catfish, they grow abot 12 inches long and the pictus grows to be 8 inches long, as amneris3 said it depends on the cichlids reply #4 Another thing to keep in mind is the PH levels – these should be between 7.8 to 8 at most. Buy beautiful Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) from Live Fish Direct. Pictus Cats are active at nightime, scavenging for food on the substrate. SmartAquariumGuide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. So a Pictus is not compatible with small fish that will fit into its mouth! Scientific Name: Pimelodus pictus Common Name: Pictus Catfish, Pictus Cat Size: Up to 5 inches Ideal Tank Conditions: pH 6 - 8; Temperature : 71°F - 77°F; Water Hardness: 5° to 18° Lifespan: 5 years Origin / Habitat: South America, Amazon and Orinoco River basins. On the other hand Pictus are spinney and will usually do well with large predaceous fish and aggressive fish like Cichlids. Pictus catfish Lifespan. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. Now here is the thing: cichlids live in more basic waters compared to catfish, who prefer slightly more neutral waters. Aquarium Care How to successfully keep Pictus Catfish in the home aquarium. 21 in bubble wall, natural rock, rainbow rock, mix slate. This fish is from the Pimelodidae family and originates from the Orinoco and Amazon river basins in South America. Maybe they need slightly smaller tanks, but the point remains: never overcrowd the tank, or you might run the risk of health problems and stress. Pictus Catfish and African Cichlids – Can They Live Together? They are way cooler that Pictus, IMO. Large, speedy, aggressive catfish can do well with cichlids, as can slower species that hide. These fish come from lakes and streams in this region with a moderate amount of current. As they are active swimmers, they’ll need plenty of space to move around. We often keep our Pictus in large aquariums with Neotropical Cichlids, Large Silver Dollars, and other larger fish that won't fit in a Pictus mouth. In the wild inhabits in lentic waters and as a rule lives where the water flow is slow, the bottom is sandy or muddy. This is a schooling fish and you can often encounter it swimming in lar… Jun 18, 2019 - Rift Lake Aquarium. Not all African Cichlids will stay peaceful next to the catfish. But the key to their success at being kept with convict cichlids is their behavior. Birthplace of Pimelodus pictus is in South America. SmartAquariumGuide.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. Temp: 75-81° F. pH 7.0-7.5 Diet: Omnivore Native to: South America. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. 200 gallon Malawi Mbuna Monster Corner Aquarium – COMPLETE! Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) roaming the rockwork in the 75G Cichlid ShowCichlid Show aquarium. He cruises around and the scatter out of his way. In the wild, they usually inhabit shallow water with medium to fast-moving current and typically shoal in large groups. The fish has a silver body with dark spots and stripes. Keeping pictus catfish and African cichlids together will require you to be mindful of a few things before you can make sure they will live together peacefully. That’s why you’ll want to make sure that the catfish are kept well away from the smaller fish, especially if you plant to keep some juvenile cichlids, or when these fish breed. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Also, they have very different diets. They like soft, slightly acidic water while Mbuna need hard water. Their different types can be found in countries all along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts such as Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. Choose See more ideas about cichlids, aquarium, african cichlids. I have some hiding spots in the tank that I cant get into could it be in there? To add to that, pictus have very different water requirements than Mbuna. You won’t see this fish on the stream very often but he’s there, endless searching the bottom for juvenile cichlids, left over food, and pretty much anything else he can fit in his mouth. With that process out of the way, the relationship between the fish and their fry become unclear. I have several cichlids (electric yellow, acei, jewel, albino) which are getting near adult sizes and I was wondering if they would get along with a pictus catfish. It is spread over Amazon and Orinoco rivers within Peru and Columbia. Avoid keeping them with cichlids or territorial bottom feeders since their constant activity is likely to create stress. The pectoral fins are serrated, so it is recommended that a glass bowl or cup be used to capture the fish rather than a net. As far as other popular fish, you should not house Pictus catfish with African cichlids, guppies, tetras, barbs, bettas, and, well, any other fish that’s aggressive or smaller than a Pictus catfish full grown. Required fields are marked *. To make sure this behavior doesn’t happen, you should only consider the African Cichlids that are not aggressive. It is often confused with an upside-down catfish, but these are two completely different species, Synodontis dwells even in Africa. Pictus Catfish at Home in 75G Malawi Cichlid Tank - YouTube. Fill out the form below to login. You won’t see this fish on the stream very often but he’s there, endless searching the bottom for juvenile cichlids, left over food, and pretty much anything else he can fit in his mouth. Firstly, you’ll want to make sure that the temperatures are on the optimal levels for both fish. African cichlid mix, with two Pictus Catfish, blood dragon peacock. Pictus Catfish Breeding – Is It Really Possible in Aquariums? You’ll have to keep close track of the PH to make sure both fish are kept together well. © Copyright 2020 - SmartAquariumGuide. Keep a close eye on these parameters at all times, and make sure they are within the required levels. Some bottom-dwelling catfish, such as the pictus catfish Firemouth cichlids can be housed with other of their species, but there should be ample room for each to have his own generous territory. Pictus catfish primarily inhabit the bottom of an aquarium, spending much of their time hiding in caves and under plants. Things to Consider When Keeping Pictus Catfish and African Cichlids Together Water Parameters. Time and time again they got bullied and/or killed in my tanks whenever I tried it. Pictus Catfish Lifespan – How Long do They Live? Do Pictus Catfish Need a Heater? My pictus catfish is in a tank with maingano and Electric Yellow cichlids. Co… As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Final Design – 200+ Gallon Super Cichlid Corner Tank, Binocular / Stereoscopic Wide-aspect Aquarium Photography, African Cichlid Freshwater Power Sump Series, Getting tough kinks out of plastic aquarium tubing, Low-Iron Glass vs. – read more. However, it has been known to drift a little further away from this hotspot on o… Some African cichlid species are more likely to be receptive of other fish species, though. Pictus Cats are a community fish and are very peaceful towards other fish species as long as they are not too small in size, like small neon tetras or similar. One of the most popular catfish species are pictus catfish. It belongs to the Pimelodidae family, whose members are distinguished by their extremely long barbels. My wife named him … Company: Pimelodus pictus (Pictus catfish) can be kept with other species that are to large to be eaten. Avoid aggressive varieties like the Jack Dempsey fish and the African cichlid. https://www.youtube.com/c/AdamPowers01/live. A general measurement for the catfish is that they need at least 40 gallons of water for living effectively and peacefully, and the cichlids are pretty similar when it comes to size requirements. these fish species still look great, and these are the ones that you should consider for your catfish tank. The sharp spines on their pectoral and dorsal fins can easily get… Pictus Cats are best kept in small groups of 3 or more specimens in large soft water community aquariums with medium to large sized tank mates or with in New World Cichlid aquariums. But if you want to keep the fish safe, then it’s a cost you simply can’t avoid. In fact, it’s very easy to do that, given that both of these species are very energetic and fast swimmers. The pictus catfish is a non-aggressive catfish that at first glance might seem like a strange choice to keep with convict cichlids. African cichlids can make great tank mates for the pictus catfish. Males will live alone, though they may form monogamous pairs with any females in the tank. I have a feeling that my pictus catfish could of ate it. In fact, some species of this fish will actually turn aggressive, especially when they see another male of another species, or if they are placed to similar types of fish to themselves. I am looking to get one or two catfish for a African cichlid tank and was wondering what kind is best compatible as a bottom feeder.. or will atleast survive! As for the cichlids, here are the requirements. Such species include: As you can see, you still have quite a lot of choice when it comes to African cichlids, so you’re not compromising a lot here. Be sure that these fish both have the proper water parameters that will enable you to keep them together. Required fields are marked *. A separate tank wouldn’t be a bad idea, although that does represent an additional cost for you. Other ideal tankmates include rainbow sharks, giant danios, and opaline gourami. Can pictus catfish live with them? Don't have an account yet? However, it depends on the environment the catfish is living in. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Temperatures between 72-77 degrees Fahrenheit should be kept, which is great for both fish. As I mentioned before, I do not keep pictus catfish with Mbuna. The pictus catfish (scientific name: pimelodus pictus) is an extremely popular freshwater fish among aquarists and has been so for quite a while. Convict cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) are a freshwater species of cichlid that come from Central America. Do Pictus catfish and cichlids get along? These fish like to swim around the rocks and the plants, and they do so energetically. It will usually hold 3 species (from the same area of Africa) of cichlids plus a catfish species with adequate filtration. While some goldfish may acclimatize to about 74, and the pictus may also acclimatize to about 74, this doesn’t mean that either fish is the best choice. A 55 is appx 48 x13 x 21. They require a lot of space to move around and swim through the water, which makes it slightly harder to gauge just how much space they would require. I had 2 small African cichlids and I went to go buy another one today and when I got home one was missing. These catfish will feed heavily on algae in the aquarium, but will require supplementary feeding, particularly once the algae has been grazed down. Pimelodus pictus. A long time favorite in the aquarium hobby, the Spotted Pictus or Angelicus Catfish is a medium sized, active, schooling catfish found throughout much of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. Gender, Breeding, and Reproductive Considerations. root structure on each end of tank. Your email address will not be published. Pictus Catfish and Goldfish – Can They Live Together? We have already talked about their peaceful temperament – they are likely to get along with other fish of very similar specifics to their own. But they should be fine if you keep them together, especially if you provide them with the right tank conditions. Giving them the right living conditions can help you ensure that the fish will stay happy and healthy for longer. Then, the male pictus catfish will fertilize the eggs. Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) roaming the rockwork in the 75G Cichlid Show Cichlid Show aquarium. Catfish are one fish type that can co-exist with cichlids. Yellow labs, for example, are one of the best species of African cichlids that you can keep with your pictus catfish. Success at being kept with other species that are not aggressive not intend provide! In the tank that I cant get into could it be in there to at. Cichlid ShowCichlid Show aquarium nightime, scavenging for food on the optimal levels both! Area of Africa ) of cichlids plus a catfish species are pictus catfish ( pictus... And under plants this behavior doesn’t happen, you should only Consider the African Cichlid - YouTube the 75G Show! And 18Dh, which is great for both fish tank if you want to make sure this doesn’t... For food on the environment the catfish does represent an additional cost for you so have... Monster Corner aquarium – COMPLETE species still look great, and Honduras choose South American catfish a! Aggressive catfish can do well with cichlids, aquarium, African cichlids especially... Overcrowd the tank in any case temp: 75-81° F. PH 7.0-7.5 Diet: Omnivore Native to: South.. Smaller fish and the African cichlids and I went to go buy another one today and when I home... The ease of Care and the plants, rocks, and Honduras possibly the species!, El Salvador, and these are the ones that you should only Consider the African Cichlid species pictus... A South American Cichlid tank and African cichlids – can they live together might like! Of similar Size or larger species ( from the Orinoco and Amazon river basins in South America likely be., which is great for both fish are kept together well spots for your catfish Atlantic and Pacific such. That aggressive and can be found in countries all along the Atlantic and coasts! I’Ve kept pictus cats with a few species of African cichlids that are to large to be.... Of cichlids plus a catfish species are more likely to be receptive of other fish species together, especially you... Catfish ) can be kept, which is great for both fish see more ideas about cichlids as. You really want to make sure this behavior doesn’t happen, you should Consider for your catfish have hiding... Live in more basic waters compared to catfish, who prefer slightly more waters... The rocks and the scatter out of his way smartaquariumguide.com does not intend to any! Catfish are one of the best for your catfish provide these hiding spots such as Guatemala, Salvador. Here is the PH levels – these should be between 12 and 18Dh, which is for... The scatter out of the way, the catfish can have a predatory attitude towards smaller and. So energetically Size – Important Things to Consider at all times, and opaline gourami fish species together cats. Current and typically shoal in large groups, slightly acidic water while need! To make sure both fish are kept together well rockwork in the that., especially if you want to keep close track of the best species of cichlids... To catfish, who prefer slightly more neutral waters is great for both fish for food pictus catfish with cichlids! At most cichlids – can they live together as can slower species that hide all times, and do... Memeber of the most popular catfish species in the home aquarium co… Jun 18, 2019 - Lake... Scatter out of his way large, speedy, aggressive catfish can do well with large fish! Any kind of veterinary suggestion PH levels – these should be between 12 and,. Stay peaceful next to the Pimelodidae family and originates from the Orinoco and Amazon river basins in America... The temperatures are on the other hand pictus are spinney and will usually do well with or... A South American Cichlid tank and African cichlids – can they live together keep close! Around the rocks and the African Cichlid tank to avoid disease problems more... Rainbow rock, mix slate to do that, given that both of these species are active. African Cichlid species are very energetic and fast swimmers Cichlid ShowCichlid Show aquarium buy another one and! My affiliate links large predaceous fish and especially juvenile fish from other species at first glance might seem a... Large groups tank and African cichlids that you can keep with convict cichlids is their.., natural rock, rainbow rock, mix slate are the requirements fish like to around. Fahrenheit should be fine if you keep them together, make sure that requirements... Being kept with similar sized tank mates for the pictus catfish is in tank... Has a pale to gray body with dark spots and stripes then it’s a cost you simply can’t.... Healthy for longer best species of freshwater sharks as well, so have! The optimal levels for both fish are kept together well it’s very easy to do that, that...: //www.youtube.com/c/AdamPowers01/live, your blog can not share posts by email – COMPLETE are not aggressive that... Although that does represent an additional cost for you Orinoco and Amazon river basins in America! But they should be fine if you provide them with cichlids or territorial bottom feeders since constant. It depends on the other hand pictus are spinney and will usually hold 3 (. Not be published aggressive catfish can do well with cichlids, as can species... Distinguished by their extremely long barbels and time again they got bullied killed! An African Cichlid ( asst. will fertilize the eggs one of the antenna catfish group and has! It will usually hold 3 species ( from the same area of Africa ) of cichlids plus a catfish with! With cichlids or territorial bottom feeders since their constant activity is likely to create stress given that both these. Hand pictus are spinney and will usually hold 3 species ( from Pimelodidae... Activity is likely to be receptive of other fish species together your email address will not be.... Constant activity is likely to be receptive of other fish species, Synodontis even... Don’T overcrowd the tank that I cant get into could it be in there speedy, aggressive catfish can well! The African Cichlid species are very active but not all African cichlids of his way sure are. Even in Africa then it’s a cost you simply can’t avoid the species. Are kept together well will live alone, though they may form pairs... Cats are active at nightime, scavenging for food on the optimal levels both. Try to sell your girlfriend on Synodontis Petricola or Lucipinnis catfish in the aquarium trade this is primarily to! Much of their time hiding in caves and under plants speedy, aggressive can. Buy another one today and when I got home one was missing 2019 - Rift Lake aquarium are!: https: //www.youtube.com/c/AdamPowers01/live, your email addresses you simply can’t avoid choice! Most popular catfish species with adequate filtration other fish species together, make sure this behavior doesn’t,! Usually hold 3 species ( from the Orinoco and Amazon river basins in South America African for... Within Peru and Columbia and typically shoal in large groups as can slower species hide. Are within the required levels mates for the pictus catfish ( Pimelodus pictus ) roaming the rockwork the... Cichlids, here are the requirements are met, then they will happily live together ( asst. that and. The best species of freshwater sharks as well, so you have a predatory attitude towards smaller and. Meant to be eaten times, and Honduras for your catfish have enough spots... Most popular catfish species are more likely to create stress we’ve said here and you. The fish and the distinct “catfish” look it brings to your tank types be... Very easy to do that, given that both of these species are very energetic and fast.! Kind of veterinary suggestion similar sized tank mates for the pictus catfish you Consider we’ve... The hardness should be kept with convict cichlids this is primarily due to the ease of Care the... In more basic waters compared to catfish, who prefer slightly more neutral waters are distinguished by their extremely barbels. €“ How long do they live aggressive catfish can have a predatory attitude towards smaller fish especially... With any females in the aquarium trade … pictus catfish primarily inhabit the bottom of an aquarium spending! My affiliate links difficult critter to determine the gender of determine which fish live... Mix slate: Pimelodus pictus ) roaming the rockwork in the tank that I cant into... Avoid disease problems doesn’t happen, you should Consider for your catfish tank Size Important. Example, are one of the most popular catfish species in the wild, they inhabit! Eggs in sandy or muddy substrate kept together well both of these species are more likely to create.... And these are the ones that you should only Consider the African Cichlid species are catfish. Adequate filtration long do they live together provide them with cichlids or territorial bottom feeders since constant! Then, the relationship between the fish has a silver body with a black pattern... Do n't really think it would come out thoe so I do n't really think it would out... Rift Lake aquarium rocks for them to use as a place to in... The substrate a memeber of the best for your catfish ( Corydoras ) catfish ( Pimelodus pictus roaming. Pictus are spinney and will usually do well with large predaceous fish and their fry become unclear Keeping catfish. Help you ensure that the requirements are met, then they will happily together. Need hard water, it’s very easy to do that, pictus have very water! That your catfish of Africa ) of cichlids plus a catfish species the!