How Big Do Pictus Catfish Get & When Do They Reach Full Size?

Author: Hasty Fish

Pictus Catfish are a popular fish species in home aquariums, but how big do they get, and when will they reach their full size?

The answer depends on factors such as tank size, tank mates, water parameters, food and diet, and genetics.

In this blog post, we’ll look at aquarium pictus catfish size and discuss the factors influencing their growth rate. We’ll also explore whether pictus catfish can grow bigger in larger tanks.

Aquarium Pictus Catfish Size & Factors That Influence It

The size of a pictus catfish in an aquarium can grow up to approximately 5 inches (12.7 cm). However, some may grow bigger or smaller depending on things like the tank size, tank mates, water parameters, and diet, as well as the genetics of the fish.

1. Tank Size

One of the most common mistakes most newbies make is keeping pictus catfish in too small of a tank.

In fact, many beginner keepers will keep Pictus Catfish in a 10-gallon tank and later regret this decision as the fish grows too slow or become too large for their tank, head-butting the glass and not leaving enough room for them to swim comfortably.

To ensure your pictus catfish stays healthy and grows at a normal rate, use an aquarium that is at least 50 gallons. And, of course, the larger the tank, the better, as this allows for more space for these fish to swim and explore.

2. Tank Mates

The type of tank mates you choose can also influence the size of your pictus catfish. Choosing aggressive species can cause stress in your pictus catfish and inhibit their growth.

So, when selecting tank mates for your Pictus Catfish, it’s crucial to choose peaceful species of a similar size that won’t bully or harass them or try to compete with them for food and space.

Having too many fish in a tank can also be detrimental to the fish’s growth. So, ensure not to overstock your aquarium and only add as many fish as it can comfortably house.

The best way to do this is to gradually add a few fish at a time, closely monitor their behavior, and test the water parameters. If there’s a spike in ammonia or nitrate or any of your fish show signs of distress resulting from the addition of new fish, that means your tank is overcrowded.

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3. Water Parameters

Poor water quality can cause a lot of stress for your Pictus Catfish, which will, in turn, hinder its growth rate. So, it’s essential to regularly check the water parameters, including pH, temperature, nitrate, ammonia, and hardness, and make sure they are within the optimal range for your Pictus Catfish.

They thrive in water with:

  • A pH of 7.0-8.0
  • Water hardness between 5-15 dH
  • Water temperature between 75-81°F (23-27 °C)
  • Nitrite and nitrate levels below 2 ppm

Maintaining clean and stable water parameters within the optimal range for your fish will help ensure they don’t experience any stress and are able to grow healthy and at a normal rate. One way to achieve that is by doing regular water changes, and I recommend performing at least a 10% to 15% water change every week.

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4. Food & Diet

Like any other living creature, proper nutrition plays a huge role in the growth and health of Pictus Catfish. So, it’s crucial to provide them with a balanced diet of various foods and ensure they get the necessary protein, vitamins, minerals, and all other essential nutrients.

One thing, though, if you have a community tank, your Pictus Catfish might not get their share of food as they are bottom dwellers, and some fish eat at a quicker pace. Not to mention, they are nocturnal, meaning they will be most active during the nighttime and will tend to hunt for food more actively during the hours of darkness.

So, you might want to feed all your fish three times a day to ensure everyone gets enough food. And you’ll also want to give them sinking food and pellets to make it easier for them since they spend most of their time at the bottom of the tank.

5. Genetics

Last but not least, genetics also plays a role in the size of your Pictus Catfish. This means that if both parents are smaller, their offspring are also likely to be smaller, which is why you see some fish are born smaller than others. In fact, some may never grow to their full potential no matter what you do or how well you care for them.

That being said, as long as you provide your Pictus Catfish with enough swimming space, compatible tank mates, and the necessary nutrients and maintain a clean and stable environment with optimal water parameters, you should have a healthy and happy fish that will reach its maximum size potential.

When Will A Pictus Catfish Reach Its Full Size?

In a well-maintained aquarium, Pictus Catfish can reach their full size in anywhere between 8 and 12 months.

The growth rate varies depending on the factors mentioned above, such as the size of the tank, water quality, and food. So, if you provide your fish with an ideal environment and enough nutrition, they should reach their full size within that time frame.

Can A Pictus Catfish Grow Bigger In A Large Tank?

While a larger tank can provide more space for your fish to swim and explore, it won’t make them grow any bigger than what is genetically predetermined. So the answer is no, a larger tank won’t make your fish grow bigger.

However, if your tank is overcrowded and there’s not enough swimming space for your fish to swim around freely, their size and growth rate will certainly be affected.

The minimum tank size for Pictus Catfish is 50 gallons, so ensure that you have a tank of at least this size to get your fish off to the best possible start.

Conclusion

So, as you can see, there are several factors that affect the size of your Pictus Catfish. From genetics to water parameters and quality nutrition, all these things are important in ensuring they reach their full potential.

By maintaining the best environment for your fish, feeding them with quality food, and choosing appropriate tank mates, you can rest assured that your Pictus Catfish will reach their full size in no time.

Happy fishkeeping!