How to Take Care of a Pictus Catfish

Pictus catfish are commonly found in the freshwater bodies of South America. Easily discerned by the presence of long "whiskers," called barbels, near the mouth, wild catfish prefer to swim near the bottom of the water where they use their barbels to smell out food in the murky water. Pictus catfish have exceptionally long barbels, often growing the length of their entire body. A healthy pictus catfish lives for many years, providing the residents of your aquarium with a long-term companion.

Things You'll Need

  • Gravel or rocks
  • 120-gallon or larger fish aquarium
  • Aquarium plants
  • Aquarium caves or hiding places
  • Water conditioner
  • Freshwater test kit
  • Water heater
  • Blood worms
  • Insect larvae
  • Catfish pellets
  • Siphon
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a layer of gravel or rocks in the bottom of a 120-gallon or larger fish aquarium. Add sporadic plant life and caves or hiding spots so the pictus catfish feels comfortable with its surroundings.

    • 2

      Fill the aquarium with fresh water treated with a water conditioner, keeping the temperature between 70 and 82 degrees and the pH level between 6.5 and 7.5.

    • 3

      Test the water with a freshwater test kit to make sure there are no nitrates, ammonia or other toxins present. Install a water heater to keep to keep the temperature between 70 and 82 F. Place the pictus catfish gently in the water.

    • 4

      Feed your catfish three to four times a day while it is young and one to two times a day once it becomes an adult. Place a small amount of meat, such as blood worm, insect larvae or catfish pellets, into the tank at each feeding.

    • 5

      Drain 30 percent of the water from the tank and replace it with water treated with water conditioner every one to two weeks. Swish the aquarium's filter in the tank to clean it, if it appears dirty. Use a siphon to remove waste and debris from the bottom of the tank. Test your tank's water using a freshwater test kit to make sure there aren't excess amounts of toxins.

    • 6

      Watch for signs of distress in your pictus catfish, such as curled barbels, decreased appetite or difficulty swimming. Check for toxins if you see these signs and adjust or replace the water accordingly.