Hello. I have 2 Pictus Catfish in my 55 gallon tank and I was wondering if I should have more? Thank you.
Pictus Catfish
- Thread starter DawnMichele
- Start date
Yes and no. They really should be kept in groups, but they also move around CONSTANTLY. So a 55 is not big enough for a group of 4-5" fish that move that much
Usually pictus do well in groups of 6+ but it also depends on how the tank's set up inside, cover, plants, tank mates, lighting, etc. I've been to many LFS where they have 2-4 pictus catfish and they looked relaxed and happy. I have 27 in a 240 gal and they seem too nervous to me. So it's not only the number.
As for how many one can keep in a 55 gal, I may be more optimistic than Shane. I think with adequate filtration, half a dozen could do.
As for how many one can keep in a 55 gal, I may be more optimistic than Shane. I think with adequate filtration, half a dozen could do.
I think 2 should be fine. I've had a few groups that seem to buddy up and have also had groups that seemed to have a dislike for one another and would rarely house together or interact at all. They're not really a schooling fish that demands school mates but they can be social and do seem to enjoy the company of others but do not necessarily require it. IMO anyway.
Agreed lol, depending on your set up, and assuming filtration is up to par, you can add a few more. A 55 isn't wide though so watch with decor
Hi everyone. Thanks for all the help. I appreciate it. I have 2 Pictus Catfish, 4 Emerald Green Cory Cat's, 1 Super Red Bristlenose Pleco and 2 Marbled Angelfish. I have 2 Penguin 350 filter's on the tank and I do 50% water changes every week.
the 55 gallon capacity isn't exactly what makes me say you can't have many, it's the fact that a 55 gallon tank is only 12" wide. In general I just don't like 55's because even if they hold enough water for many fish, they're too narrow for those fish.
DawnMichele
you can get away with a couple more if you want, but you definitely want sparse decorations so they have room to swim along the floor
DawnMichele
you can get away with a couple more if you want, but you definitely want sparse decorations so they have room to swim along the floor
I have to disagree with the idea that they need to be in groups. I have 2 in my 125 and they are always together. You might see more activity and more interesting behavior out of a group but my 2 are always chilling together under the driftwood and even "hunt" blood worms and guppies together when the lights go off