Pimelodus Pictus -- how big?

[Tifftastic]

Ok so I have been having this discussion with a couple of people, how big does Pimelodus pictus get? I checked two or three books and get a range from 4-14" and the tag at Petsmart says 8" online research gives me anywhere from 5-10".
So what is the biggest any of you have had or have seen? I would much appreciate any info on size any of you have to offer. Thanks.

 

[blurock]

I believe most will end up at 5-6" If it's a true pictus. 4line pims will get larger around 10" and can sometimes be spotted/molted in color and sold as pictus...

 

[Cichla dude]

Yep may I also add fourlines usually cost alittle more.

 

[catfish hippy man (dylan)]

Mine are all around 3'' at the moment.

 

[Tifftastic]

Alright well that solves it for me I guess. Thanks everyone.
One more question though, with how active these guys are what is the minimum tank size any of you would recommend?

 

[synodontisjack]

They are active when kept in a group with subdued lighting, a 36x12x18 will be fine for a group of 5

 

[Tifftastic]

Awesome, I was worried that the 55g I had been recommending to people was too small cuz they move like crazy in the store. Thanks.

 

[synodontisjack]

A 55 would be ideal but 36x12x18 is a bare minimum.

 

[benzjamin13]

Great school catfish. Very active, but they tend to get ich easily. Just keep the temp just a little bit higher and they should be fine.

 

[redtail24]

Never seen any over 5 inches in tank conditions, possibly max to 7 in the wild under ideal conditions.