How long do Pictus Catfish live?
Pictus Catfish live about 8-10 years with good care. Stable, spacious, mature water supports that lifespan.
What do Pictus Catfish eat?
They are carnivorous scavengers taking sinking pellets, wafers, and frozen/live foods like bloodworms and shrimp. Overfeeding and a flake-only diet are the usual mistakes; they are greedy and will eat small fish at night.
Tank size and water parameters
A 55-gallon (210 L) tank or larger suits a small school. Target 72-79°F (22-26°C), pH 7.0-7.5, moderate hardness, zero ammonia and nitrite, nitrate under 20 ppm. Keep in groups of 3+ with a secure lid (they jump) and tank mates too large to eat.
Common mistakes with Pictus Catfish
Key errors: too small a tank for an active swimmer; small tank mates they eat at night; an open lid (jumpers); and keeping one, which makes them shy and withdrawn.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Too small a tank — active swimmers need 55+ gallons.
- Small tank mates — pictus will eat fish that fit in their mouths.
- An open lid — they are jumpers.
- Keeping a single fish — they are social and do better in a group of 3+.