Pimelodus pictus, like other members of the Pimelodidae, are known for having extremely long barbels.

[4] These fish are active swimmers and, like many catfish, nocturnal bottom feeders.

They will also eat very small fish such as neon tetras, depending on the size of the catfish.

Besides the mildly venomous sting imparted by the dorsal spine, they are generally harmless to humans.

In the wild, Pimelodus pictus has an estimated average trophic level of 3.19.