Pictus Cat Questions

[benzjamin13]

I was thinking of getting these for a 30g community. Would it be too big for a 30? Are they better in groups or is a single fish okay? What's the best fish to go with them? I know they can be predatory towards small fish, but that's as far as I know. Thanks for the help in advance

 

[mexican wedding shirt]

Technically they are small enough to go into a 30, however I would not keep mine in a 30. They only grow to 6 inches but they are very active, and seem more comfortable and active the more space they have.

I've had one for about a year, a sole specimen, and he is aggressive. Holds his own with big cichlids, a clarias over 1 foot etc.

 

[ewurm]

I have mine in a 40 and it is a great fish, very active, especially aty night.

 

[sandtiger]

Yeah, I agree with mexican. I have a pictus and another catfish similer to one who I had to move out out of my 75g for awhile and place in my 29g. These guys were way too active and fast for that 29g, they kept banging their noses against the glass and everything. Anyway, they are back in the 75g.

 

[rybapsych]

They are best kept in small groups rather than as a single specimen. They will do well in a smaller tank, but the larger the better as they are very active. I have kept them in both community and aggressive tank set ups without any issues. They are very hardy and long lived in my experience and will readily devour any food that is offered.

 

[benzjamin13]

What would go good with them?

 

[sandtiger]

Most community fish too large to swallow and medium sized cichlids.