Are Pictus Catfish Poisonous? Here’s What You Need to Know

Author: Hasty Fish

Last Updated:

If you’re a fan of freshwater aquariums, chances are you’ve heard of Pictus Catfish. These sleek and striking fish are a popular choice for hobbyists due to their active nature and unique appearance.

However, if you’re considering adding a Pictus Catfish to your tank, you may be wondering whether or not they are poisonous.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Pictus Catfish and answer the question: Are Pictus Catfish Poisonous?

We’ll also explore any potential risks associated with handling them. So if you’re curious, read on!

Are Pictus Catfish Venomous?

Are Pictus Catfish Poisonous

In short, yes.

Pictus Catfish are poisonous.

They have a venomous dorsal spine, and in the wild, the venom in the pictus catfish’s dorsal spine serves as a protective measure against larger fish and birds or other predators. When threatened, they can use their sharp spines to ward off potential attackers and escape danger.

Should You Be Worried?

The short answer is no. Although they are venomous, it’s designed to be used defensively against predators or other threats.

And the truth is the venom isn’t strong enough to put humans at risk of serious harm.

It does hurt a little and can be uncomfortable, though, when a Pictus Catfish stings you. It feels like a bee sting, but the good thing is that the pain typically fades away fairly quickly.

That being said, it’s still important to exercise caution when handling a Pictus Catfish.

Always wear gloves or use a suitable tank net when transferring them from one environment to another, as well as when releasing them back into their tank.

Should You Be Concerned About the Safety of Other Fish in Your Tank?

No, and yes.

What I mean by that is that the Pictus Catfish venom isn’t likely to kill other fish in your tank. What their venom actually does is irritate the victim’s nerve endings, causing them more pain and discomfort than just a puncture wound.

However, Pictus Catfish are omnivores.

So while their venom isn’t lethal to other fish in your tank, they might eat them, especially when they are hungry.

So if you decide to add a Pictus Catfish to your aquarium, make sure there are no small fish they could potentially prey on.

A general rule of thumb is to avoid adding small fish, like guppies and neons, that are small enough to fit in a Pictus Catfish’s mouth.