Pictus Cat tankmates

Just started my new 28 gal. tank. I have 5 Serpae Tetra's, I was thinking of adding 2 Pictus's, Some places say they are good bottom of the tank fish some say they eat everything. I do believe neons or anything that small wouldn't be anything but a snack. The Serpa's at about 2 inch's should be OK I think. Any suggestions on fish I could have with the cat's? Would platyes be a no no. Trying to find something for the top area.

 

I'd be a little wary about that...my understanding is that pictus cats will sometimes feed on smaller fish at night. I've heard differing ideas about size but as I said this is a caution not definite advice. I'd maybe suggest if you want an unusual looking fish a pleco perhaps?

I'm posting a few links for you and hopefully they will be of some help. They certainly are an attractive fish, my eyes are always drawn to them when I see them in a tank.

pictus catfish

As you can see there is some dispute as to how big they get. I hope someone who has owned them will post on here so we can have a better idea.

 

At full size there is no doubt that a pictus could eat a serpae tetra but at the size that you buy them I would say it would be ok. However the pictus may well outgrow your tank. THey are extremely active fish. Platies should be ok the larger they are the better of course. Careful with buying two sometimes they play sometimes they fight just make sure you have a few cavey areas where they can retreat to. Otherwise they are a great catfish, look fantastic and eat just about anything.

 

Thanks J-Man I do believe I'm getting 2 if bought together I'm assuming they shouldn't fight. If I lose one I don't think I would add another.

 

dont listen to what they said I have a 10inch pleco and he doesn't eat other fish they only eat algae and sometimes they eat fish food ....once your plecos get big they willknock your ordements over but they clean your tank and I think they are kool fish so they should be find

 

Mate plecos have a mouth designed for rasping algae off rocks they don't attack and kill fish, the pictus catfish has a big mouth designed to swallow small prey.

 

I know your right J-man I'm getting my catfish this weekend if the store has some that don't look terrible. My tetra's will just have to be quick. Shouldn't be in danger at first but soon enough. I can't wait

 

I know your right J-man  I'm getting my catfish this weekend if the store has some that don't look terrible.  My tetra's will just have to be quick.  Shouldn't be in danger at first but soon enough.  I can't wait

I had a pictus in a community tank it went through £30 worth rummie nose tetra that's 20 fish in a week and a half.