Pimelodus ornatus is an old friend of mine. One of the first dream catfish I hunted for in my local fish shops (LFS), and one, today, I still greatly enjoy encountering. I think I am not alone in this regard. The image above was taken at an export station in Peru, the one below in a far eastern LFS; testimony to its enduring, and worldwide, appeal.

The popularity, or at least, desirability of this fish stems from its bold colouration. As with many catfish this reclusive fish is rarely seen during the day in all its glory; however it does have the distinct plus point of maintaining its characteristic pattern into old age. Many catfish lose colouration with time but this species does not.

To the catfish fan young specimens are, simply, downright cute. They exhibit the puppy-dog appeal of an inquisitive youngster that's all floppy ears and disproportionately oversized paws (or, at least, the catfish equivalent of whiskers and fins).

With age the fish attains an impressive size yet, more significantly, does not become unmanageable. This affords the aquarist the opportunity to keep a group of animals in surroundings that would cramp or even kill larger members of this family. Why keep a stunted tiger shovelnose when you can have a shoal of these guys with some room to spare? In addition, we know little of the social behavior of the medium sized pims and will only learn more when someone starts keeping them in groups.

Cosmetically, the fish is appealing. Its gun-metal grey, large, sloped head is adorned by two large, deep blue eyes. Young fish display a pearly sheen to their fins, adults a more golden yellow. The dorsal and mid-body markings are bold and pleasing to the eye as the fish streaks past. Watching groups of these sleek fish gives a strange impression, a mixture of elegance and speed one might easily associate with marine sharks - but without the malice. Perhaps malice seems absent because of the fishes quizzical , almost comic, expression. The characteristic antennae-like barbels common to many members of this family also soften its appearance. Often the shorter, downward pointing barbels give the impression of a single hand wandering along the substrate, feeling its way with sensitive fingers.

A great catfish to have in your tank then? Great unless you are a small fish that is. If this catfish has a downside it is that its all pimelodid and, as such, will eat other fish given even half a chance. All Pimelodus spp. have surprisingly large mouths; certainly anything less than a third of the size of these fish is in danger. Take this and the fishes reasonably swift growth rate into account when planning ahead on co-inhabitants for this species; they should be at least half the size of the pim at all times and have roughly equal growth rates.

Don't be put off by a price that you'd gladly pay for a pleco with the same colouration, this "king pim" is as well worthy of your pounds (dollars, yen etc.) as any other.

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