Calling out to catfish experts, need to get the facts (pictus)

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NCStateFisher

Polypterus
MFK Member
Sep 27, 2010
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I've heard many many many many different things about pictus catfish, and i just really want the facts from your experiences. I have heard these fish grow to a maximum of about 5-6", and I have also heard people say they can easily grow to 8-10", this drives me crazy as I don't know whether to get more. I have also heard that they only need to school when under 2" but as they grow become independent and even aggressive towards each other, is this true? I'd really like to get some input from people who have or have had these fish and grown them out.

So basically 2 questions...

A) how big can I expect these catfish to get?

B) should they be kept solitary or with a group throughout their life?

C) what kind of growth rate should I expect from these cats?


I have one pictus based off people telling me they'd be okay alone, and while he's eating and looks very healthy he very rarely goes to the bottom and swims around in the corners almost all of the time. I feel like this could be because he's scared to not have any tankmates of his species and I would like to add another. Ever since I was a little kid i've been fascinated with these fish but just now finally got one, and want to keep them as happy as possible. - I currently have my stock in a 45 gallon 3' x 1' footprint but in about a year i am upgrading to a 6' x 2' 100+ gallon setup, so knowing their approx growth rate would really help me out a lot.

Thanks for your time and expertise on this topic, I look forward to finally clarifying all of the different outlooks on this species I have heard.
 
6" is about their max.

I have one and he is fine alone, but only because his partner in crime died. I would however put them in groups as they are much more entertaining (I have actually been meaning to get some more but I would have to grow them out as the catfish is 5-6" and would eat smaller ones.

They grow fairly slow and your 3x1 (Actually a 30 gallon) would work for life so there's no hurry on upgrading.
 
sweet... a couple more responses and i'll probably pick up another tomorrow after my sociology test.. they got a couple good sized healthy looking ones at petsmart right now
 
They're a nice, though a bit hyper-active, catfish, I have two 5-inchers in a home-made 30 gallon and they're constantly jousting with one another. They originally tore each others long barbels off while establishing the pecking order, but they're over that now and their barbels are back to their former magnificence, LOL!

They're very active and I've found that can upset some quieter-tempered fishes.

Cheers!

Simon
 
There are two different types of Pictus catfish commonly sold in pet stores. This is probably where you are getting conflicting information. The other problem is they can be confused when they are small.

Spotted pictus catfish only reach 5-6 inches in length. They are more of a social schooling catfish. They do fine on their own, but are definitely more active if kept in a group of their own kind.

Four lined pictus catfish reach 8-10 inches in length. They are definitely more of a solitary fish and are aggressive towards most other cats.
 
perfect.. thank you for that clarification - im definitely getting mine a buddy after class tomorrow ;D
 
Oh and they are aggressive to other catfish species. Mine killed a juvenile juruense catfish that was growing out with it.
 
they'd be the only cats, ive heard they are usually only aggressive towards fish smaller than them
 
I have 3 pictus in my 55g and they don't school together at all. They each found their own hiding spots and will fight with each other if they encroach into the others spot.
 
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