Ornate Catfish (Pimelodus Ornatus)

Ornate Catfish is A larger-growing cousin of the popular, well-known Spotted Pictus, the Ornate Pim Catfish is found throughout much of the Amazon and its tributaries but is uncommon in the hobby. With their distinctive black and white banding, silver base, and striped pattern, they are beautiful and extremely active fish in the aquarium. With a maximum size of around 12″, they are much more manageable as adult fish than many other large growing catfish seen in the trade. Although they are generally peaceful, tankmates should be chosen with care as they will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths.

Ornate Pimelodus Catfish (Pimelodus ornatus)

Origin: Wild Peru
Locale: Rio Ucayali
Diet: Predator and live fish eater, will typically accept frozen food in the aquarium
Adult Size: 12″
Recommended Tank Size: 300 gallons
Compatibility: Generally peaceful toward large tankmates but will eat any fish small enough to fit in their large mouths

Preferred Water Parameters
pH:                          6.5 – 7.2
Temp:                     76-82F
Ammonia:              0ppm
Nitrite:                    0ppm
Nitrate:                  <30ppm