Four Line Pictish Catfish

Catfish are given the name for their whiskers that resemble a Cat. There are many variations of Catfish from every ecosystem imaginable. Using their whiskers they tend to scavenge the floors for food such as other dead animals left from carnivores, smaller crustaceans and fish, as well as different types of plant life. At Petzone we have a love for Catfish and are always looking to expand our selection.

The Four Lined Catfish (Pimelodus blochii) is a type of Pictus Cat with a unique lined body pattern that originates in Suriname. They come from slightly acidic to neutral water with a temperature around 70-78 degrees. Catfish are omnivores and will readily accept frozen foods and dried foods. They are a schooling fish by nature and this can be observed in the aquarium as well. When feeding a group a blood worm cube they frantically mob the food in a tornado of movement, it is quite the sight to see. These catfish will continue to eat until their stomach is fat and round, at this point they will not need to be fed for up to 5 days or until the stomach looks normal again. Like most Catfish the Four Lined Cat gets to a reasonable size of 14” and will need a decent sized tank of 75+ gallons. They are a very active fish that appreciate cover and hides for comfort. In a bare tank they may become timid.

Catfish are opportunistic and will hunt and eat smaller fish that fit into their mouths. As long as there are no fish small enough to eat the Four Lined Cat can be kept communally. The do well with Larger Tetras, Barbs, Goldfish and Gouramis. Currently there is no record of successful breed in the aquarium as Catfish can prove difficult to breed due to their need for a large space. The Four lines Cat is a very hardy fish that can prove to be a rewarding member of an aquarium.