2 Pictus Catfish, one is bulliying the other around. It now stays in a cave which is wierd. What should I do?

Question

Pictus catfish are usualy active. Is it pregnant possibly or is it dying? Please help. Recently purchased fish put in a 10 gallon tank.

Answer 1

10 gallons is not enough space for Pictus. They are VERY active when kept properly (in large groups in 30+ gallon tanks). To reduce the aggression and see more of your lovely Catfish, you would need to increase the size of their shoal. Unfortunately, you can't do that in a 10 gallon tank, so your only option is to take them back. If you want a Catfish with a similar, less violent personality, try 3-4 Cory Cats (the largest common species will reach just over 2 inches). They are very active (like well kept Pictus) and will stay small while displaying similar shoaling behavior. Be sure to get some food for these bottom dwellers so they don't have to compete with faster top dwelling fish. Email me if you have any questions.

Soop Nazi

EDIT: Pictus should NOT be kept alone or in small groups. They are only territorial or violent when there are too few of them. The only way to subdue the aggression is get more Pictus in a larger tank.

Answer 2

Your tank really isn't big enough for them,they are very active swimmers and need at the very least a 20 gallon tank preferably a 30.I have group of 3 and they chase each other occasionally and seem to almost play tag around the tank but they like to hide as well when the light is on during the day,so providing plenty of hiding spots is good,I use pvc pipe for this.You need to upgrade your tank or return or rehome them.

Answer 3

I've always heard you should only have one Pictus Catfish per tank. It sounds like the Alpha fish is keeping the other one trapped in the cave.

Have you read any fish books? Perhaps they will explain this behavior. Go to your public library and read books about "freshwater aquarium fish".