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Pictus Catfish 101: The Ultimate Beginners Guide

Art Mitchell

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A Pictus Catfish Swimming In A Tank PICTUS CATFISH 101 BEGINNERS GUIDE: Complete Guide On Everything You Need To Know About Pictus Catfish 101: Care Food Behavior Size Tank Mates Lifespan And Disease To Look Out For

PICTUS CATFISH 101 BEGINNERS GUIDE: Complete guide on everything you need to know about pictus catfish 101: care, food, behavior, size, tank mates, lifespan and disease to look out for

by Allen O'Donoghue

4.1 out of 5

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Pictus catfish (Pimelodus pictus) are a popular choice for aquarists of all levels. They are relatively easy to care for, and their striking black and white coloration makes them a beautiful addition to any tank.

This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about caring for pictus catfish, from choosing the right tank size to feeding and breeding.

Choosing the Right Tank Size

Pictus catfish are active swimmers, so they need a tank that is at least 20 gallons in size. A 30-gallon tank is ideal, but a 20-gallon tank will suffice if it is well-maintained.

The tank should be equipped with a filter and heater. The filter will help to keep the water clean, and the heater will keep the water at a consistent temperature.

Water Parameters

Pictus catfish prefer water that is soft and acidic. The ideal pH range is between 6.0 and 7.0, and the ideal hardness range is between 5 and 10 dGH.

The temperature of the water should be between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Feeding

Pictus catfish are omnivores, and they will eat a variety of foods. They can be fed live foods, such as brine shrimp and bloodworms, as well as frozen foods, such as mysis shrimp and krill. They can also be fed dry foods, such as pellets and flakes.

It is important to feed pictus catfish a variety of foods to ensure that they are getting all the nutrients they need.

Breeding

Pictus catfish are relatively easy to breed in captivity. The first step is to condition the fish by feeding them a high-quality diet. Once the fish are conditioned, they can be placed in a breeding tank.

The breeding tank should be at least 20 gallons in size, and it should be equipped with a filter and heater. The water should be soft and acidic, and the temperature should be between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

The male pictus catfish will build a bubble nest on the surface of the water. Once the nest is complete, the female will lay her eggs in the nest. The male will then fertilize the eggs and guard them until they hatch.

The eggs will hatch in about 3-4 days, and the fry will be free-swimming in about a week. The fry can be fed live foods, such as brine shrimp and infusoria.

Pictus catfish are a beautiful and easy-to-care-for fish that are a great choice for aquarists of all levels. By following the tips in this guide, you can provide your pictus catfish with a healthy and happy life.

PICTUS CATFISH 101 BEGINNERS GUIDE: Complete guide on everything you need to know about pictus catfish 101: care, food, behavior, size, tank mates, lifespan and disease to look out for

by Allen O'Donoghue

4.1 out of 5