Angel catfish - Pimelodus pictus - 5cm

The species Pimelodus pictus, which lives in the catchment area of the Amazon, has long been a very popular and larger Antennae Catfish, which is an eye-catcher in any aquarium with its swimming ability and its silvery body color. It is also called Angel Catfish, AngelAntenna Catfish or Painted Angel Cat fish and is endemic to various parts of the Amazon Basin between South and Central America to Argentina. Its scientific name "pictus" is derived from the Latin for "painted". If one deals with the special needs and the special species behavior benevolently, these nicely drawn bottom dwellers are an enrichment in a beautiful Amazon aquarium for a long time: especially when catching the animals, care should be taken that the pointed dorsal fin spines can get caught in coarse-meshed nets.

Our angel catfish are available in a size of 5 cm.

Angel Angelfish have the typical catfish body with a very silvery base color. Over their entire body and the transparent blue fins they are beautifully brown-black and almost circular spotted, only the caudal fin can have lines. The creek side is pale, and there are three pairs of barbels on the head. They have a white lateral line and an adipose fin. The sexes are difficult to distinguish, also breeding in the aquarium has not yet been successful. They can reach sizes of 25 cm, which is why their aquarium should "grow" with their age.

Our Pimelodus pictus can be kept in a group of 5-7 animals excellently in aquariums from 150 cm edge length. Since they are crepuscular, their aquarium should not be too strongly illuminated or shaded in places, in order to see them also during the day. With floating plants of large-leaved aquatic plants, such as Lotus plantswhose leaves lie on the water surface, this can be brought about well. The substrate may be medium fine and rather dark gravel, on this they feel safe and come out well. Especially many retreats and hiding places in the form of bog pine roots serve their well-being. Thus, the initially somewhat shy animals soon lose their shyness and allow a glimpse of their fascinating behavior. When designing the aquarium, in addition to a good infrastructure, it is important to provide sufficient swimming space, since the animals sometimes make rapid sprints. Angelfish prefer a very good water hygiene, as they tend to get infections quickly. Larger and regular water changes up to 50% are therefore advantageous. For the care of Pimelodus pictus their aquarium water should be soft to medium hard. At a temperature between 22-25 °C they can be maintained well.

When socializing , go for calm but much larger by-fish. Smaller tetras, dwarf shrimp and other small fish are considered food by this active hunter. Angelfish feel most comfortable in a group , so we recommend keeping them with at least 5-7 animals.

Pimelodus pictus is an omnivore. They will eat almost any live, frozen and dry food for omnivorous ornamental fish. Also commercial food tablets and food granulates are accepted. The food is taken up by the good sense of smell of the Angelfish and eaten in a flash. Other bottom-dwelling fish, e.g. armored catfish, are somewhat at a disadvantage here. Feeding several times in small amounts is therefore advisable, so that each gets its share of food. Occasionally the pretty animals can also be spoiled with live and frozen food such as fish fillets, but also floating shrimp.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Catfish Feed is a professionally formulated complete food especially for all sucking catfish. The food tabs contain important dietary fibers such as chitin and plant fibers, which are essential for the survival of catfish for a well-functioning digestion. With strong proteins from insect larvae as well as carbohydrate-rich vegetables NatureHolic Catfish Feed provides all sucking catfish optimally with all important building materials for a fast and healthy growth. The extra hard chips can be scraped off by the catfish close to nature - here they really have to do something for their food! An occupation like in nature.

Our plant recommendation: Use for the planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.