I think my Pictus ate my Corys

I have been housing pictus catfish and albino Cory's in the same tank for nearly 2 years. Both types of fish are fully grown. Ive never had any issues, however, this week I lost 2 of the 6 Cory's. The other 3 began to hide in one of the houses, only coming out to feed. Which is out of character. They never go in the houses. (The pictus can't reach them there)

The one that died first was partially blind. (Missing one eye) I noticed it dead but had to leave for an appointment. I was gone one hour, came back, and it was eaten. 2 days later.... another one was dead, with obvious missing fins.

The other 4 have been moved to another tank.

What happened? Did one die and the pictus suddenly "get a taste"

 

I have had catfish eat other fish in my tank before, but there was a pretty big size difference (6" eclipse catfish vs juvenile serpae tetras). So guess is possible. What's the size difference between the fish? Also, is that all that was in there?

 

It‘s important for the OP to know if the pictus did swallow the cory the pictus could have the cory stuck in it somewhere as cory's have a semi venermous spine

 

He'll notice if it did so.

 

I have had catfish eat other fish in my tank before, but there was a pretty big size difference (6" eclipse catfish vs juvenile serpae tetras). So guess is possible. What's the size difference between the fish? Also, is that all that was in there?

Serpae tetras shouldn't be in a tank with Pictas. Unless they were introduced young. Just one angelfish with them

It‘s important for the OP to know if the pictus did swallow the cory the pictus could have the cory stuck in it somewhere as cory's have a semi venermous spine

Why now after 2 years together? This is a 100 gallon tank with only one angelfish, 6 Cory's and 3 pictus? They were raised together. Water parameters, perfect... as always. Feeding schedule consistent.

 

Being raised together means less than zero if a fish is hungry and can eat the other fish.

 

being raised together means less than zero if a fish is hungry and can eat the other fish.

I need honest thoughts. My living room tank is now overstocked. But miraculously harmonious after adding the 4 albinos.

 

Serpae tetras shouldn't be in a tank with Pictas. Unless they were introduced young. Just one angelfish with them

Why now after 2 years together? This is a 100 gallon tank with only one angelfish, 6 Cory's and 3 pictus? They were raised together. Water parameters, perfect... as always. Feeding schedule consistent.

that tank is not really over stocked, you could probably do 3-4 more angels and a school of tetras

 

that tank is not really over stocked, you could probably do 3-4 more angels and a school of tetras

No, my other "living room" tank after having added 4 additional Cory's. That makes 12 in the tank. They seem to me ecstatic about it, tho. It's only a 55 gallon tank with tetras and frogs. It's overstocked.

I'm aware I can add more fish to the "hall tank" I won't put tetras with pictus catfish.

No, my other "living room" tank after having added 4 additional Cory's. That makes 12 in the tank. They seem to me ecstatic about it, tho. It's only a 55 gallon tank with tetras and frogs. It's overstocked.

I'm aware I can add more fish to the "hall tank" I won't put tetras with pictus catfish.

The pictus cats really burn out the other fish. I intend to put another 2 other Angel's but they're too small at this point.