Pictus cat: should I buy

Hi everyone as you know I'm doing a fish in cycle in my 40 gallon with only one juvenile blood parrot, and even though I'm dosing BB there isn't much ammonia in there for them to feed on. My initial plan was to have the blood parrot all by himself in there, the center of attention, but I feel like having maybe a lower profile bottom fish that cleans up after my BP would be a good idea. I saw pictus catfish at Petco and I'm thinking about getting one this weekend, and help the nitrogen cycle process. I just need to make sure they're compatible with blood parrots, and that it won't steal his food because he has a hard time eating, having a deformed mouth and all. I also hate plecos, so I thought pictus cat would be a good alternative


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ragin_cajun said:

It's often recommended to put Pictus catfish in groups of 3 or more, especially when they're small. They are pretty active catfish, and I had one in a tank with larger CA Cichlids that would eat pellets at the surface. So if you're wanting a calm, slow, non-competitive fish with the blood parrot, they may be a problem. They are kinda hyperactive, especially when they're small, and they like to eat A LOT and real fast.

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Thank you for this advice. I'm off to find an alternative now. Gotta start brainstorming


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thebiggerthebetter said:

I'd suggest a fishless cycle.

I agree with Cajun on temperament and behavior etc., except I'd say it is better to have 6+ pictus but your tank's too small.

Also, catfish are not cleaners in that they need a proper diet of their own, balanced and nutritious.

Your BP is eating poorly because it is stressed by toxins (not a cycled tank), I am rather sure. It should not normally have any problem eating and also is often too aggressive to other fish, incl. catfish, in the tank.

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I've done a bit of research since this thread, I think if I do go for a bottom feeder I'm going to try a Raphael catfish. My BP are eating fine now, also I measured params and ammonia and nitrites were 0, water softness was a bit off but not by much.


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