Angel Catfish – *Pimelodus pictus*

The Angel Catfish (Pimelodus pictus), also known as the Pictus Catfish, is one of the most beautiful and popular South American catfish. Its striking silvery-white base color with black spots and elegant, long white barbels make it a real eye-catcher in the aquarium.

In nature, Pimelodus pictus lives in the river systems of the upper and middle Amazon. It is a very active, yet peaceful schooling fish that prefers to move in groups and readily utilizes the middle to lower swimming areas. With its elegant swimming style and peaceful nature, it is ideally suited for large community aquariums.

🌿 Characteristics & Care:
🐟 Fish size: M/L (approx. 5–6 cm, juvenile)
🌍 Origin: South America (Amazon region, Peru, Colombia) – Wild-caught
🌡️ Temperature: 24–29 °C
💧 pH value: 6.0–7.5
⚖️ Total hardness: up to 20 °dGH
🐠 Social behavior: Peaceful, lively, schooling
🏞️ Aquarium: from 300 l with current, roots, sand substrate & hiding places

🍽️ Feeding:
The Angel Catfish is an omnivore. It loves frozen and live food such as Artemia, Mysis, mussel meat, and mosquito larvae, but also readily accepts food tablets and sinking granules. A varied diet promotes its activity and vibrant colors.

💡 Tip:
Pimelodus pictus should be kept in groups of at least 4 individuals. It requires oxygen-rich, clean water with a gentle current. Good filtration and plenty of open swimming space are ideal. Due to its liveliness, calm tank mates are preferable.

👉 Conclusion:
The Angel Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) is an active, peaceful, and extremely attractive schooling catfish – a classic among South American catfish for large, lively aquariums.