Common Name: Marbled Sailfin Pim Catfish
Scientific Name: Leiarus pictus
Other Names: Marbled Pimelodid, Painted Catfish, Sailfin Pimelodid
The Marbled Sailfin Pim Catfish is a large and striking predatory catfish known for its elongated body, marbled black-and-white pattern, and impressive dorsal fin that resembles a sail. It belongs to the Pimelodidae family, which includes many of the large South American predatory catfish. This species is highly active and requires a spacious aquarium with ample swimming space.
Habitat and Distribution:
Native to the Amazon and Orinoco River basins, Leiarus pictus is found in a variety of freshwater habitats, including large rivers, floodplains, and deep channels with moderate to fast currents. It is a nocturnal species that hides among submerged driftwood and rock formations during the day, emerging at night to hunt.
Size and Lifespan:
This species can grow to about 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) in captivity, with wild specimens sometimes exceeding these sizes. With proper care, it can live for 15-20 years.
Diet and Behavior:
The Marbled Sailfin Pim Catfish is a carnivorous predator that feeds on smaller fish, crustaceans, and other meaty foods in the wild. In captivity, it should be fed high-quality sinking carnivore pellets, frozen or live foods such as tilapia fillets, shrimp, squid, and earthworms. It is highly active at night and requires a large, open swimming space. While generally not aggressive toward similar-sized tank mates, it will eat any fish that can fit in its mouth.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Leiarus pictus in captivity is extremely rare, with no documented successful attempts. In the wild, it likely follows seasonal spawning patterns triggered by changes in water levels and temperature. Most specimens in the aquarium trade are wild-caught.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A minimum of 300 gallons is required for a juvenile, with a significantly larger tank (500+ gallons) needed for long-term care. Their ideal tank setup includes a fine sand or smooth gravel substrate, large driftwood and caves for shelter, strong filtration with high oxygenation, moderate to strong water flow to mimic their river habitat, and a tightly secured lid, as they can be powerful jumpers.
Ideal Tank Mates:
The Marbled Sailfin Pim Catfish should only be housed with large, robust fish that are not small enough to be eaten. Suitable tank mates include Pacu, Arowanas, Peacock Bass, Large Cichlids, Datnoids, Tiger Shovelnose Catfish, and other similarly sized predatory fish. Avoid keeping them with small or slow-moving fish, as they may become prey.
Difficulty Level:
Advanced. They require an extremely large aquarium, high water quality, and a high-protein diet to thrive.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C)
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pH: 6.5-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 5-15 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 3-10 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- Strong filtration and additional aeration are essential due to their high oxygen requirements.
- They require a large open swimming space and do not do well in overly decorated tanks.
- Their predatory nature makes them a challenging but rewarding species for experienced aquarists.
The Marbled Sailfin Pim Catfish is an impressive and highly active predator that requires expert care and an enormous tank. For those with the space and experience, it is one of the most striking large catfish species available in the aquarium trade.
