All fish / Pimelodidae

Pimelodus joannis

Pimelodus joannis

Also known as pictus catfish relative, spotted pimelodus, long-whiskered catfish

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A slender pimelodid catfish with long barbels, a forked tail and a pale body marked with dark spots, much like the familiar pictus catfish. It is kept by catfish enthusiasts for its active, roaming behaviour, especially after dark.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

15 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.8

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

Group of 3 or more in a large tank

Diet

Carnivore: sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, prawn, earthworms and small fish

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: Rio Paraná basin (upper Paraná drainage)

Breeding

Not known to have been bred in home aquariums. Like related Pimelodus species it is probably a seasonal egg scatterer that spawns during river floods.

Good to know

Rarely seen in the trade, so care figures are based on close relatives. Very active swimmers that need plenty of open space, and they will eat small tankmates. Handle with care, as the fin spines are sharp and can catch in nets.