Fin's Fish Guide
The Pictus cat (Pimelodus ornatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Pimelodidae that grows up to 39 cm.
Widespread in freshwater of tropical South America, including the Amazon and Orinoco basins and coastal rivers of the Guianas.
Description
Pimelodus ornatus is a long-whiskered catfish of the family Pimelodidae, widespread in fresh waters of tropical South America, including the Amazon and Orinoco basins. It grows to about 25-40 cm and has a slender, silvery body patterned with dark blotches and bands, a tall spined dorsal fin and three pairs of strikingly long barbels used to find food in murky water. A nocturnal predator, it hunts small fishes, insects, crustaceans and molluscs. The species is popular in the aquarium hobby. Its fin spines can prick, but the fish is otherwise harmless.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pictus cat?
The Pictus cat has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Slender long-whiskered catfish with three pairs of long barbels, a high dorsal fin with a spine and a pattern of dark blotches and bands on a silvery body.
Where does the Pictus cat live?
The Pictus cat lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Widespread in freshwater of tropical South America, including the Amazon and Orinoco basins and coastal rivers of the Guianas.
How big does the Pictus cat get?
The Pictus cat grows to a maximum of about 39 cm.
Is the Pictus cat dangerous to humans?
The Pictus cat can cause injury; handle it with care.
Is the Pictus cat edible?
The Pictus cat is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pimelodus
More from the family Pimelodidae
Want the complete picture on the Pictus cat?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pictus cat is one of 12,519 species in the app.