Slender Pimelodella (Pimelodella gracilis) — 7-8cm

Overview

The freshwater fish uk species Pimelodella gracilis, commonly known as the slender pimelodella, is a peaceful, nocturnal South American catfish that stays small and delicate, reaching only 11 cm in adult size. This slender species is native to tropical freshwater systems across South America, though its exact range is not extensively documented in aquarium literature. The genus Pimelodella is broadly associated with rivers and streams throughout the continent. Available for sale UK from Tropical Fish Co, the slender pimelodella is prized for its graceful appearance, shy personality, and manageable size, making it ideal for planted community aquariums with calm, peaceful tankmates. This rare tropical fish UK is perfect for buy tropical fish UK enthusiasts seeking a unique, delicate South American catfish for sale addition to their collection.

Appearance

Pimelodella gracilis displays an elongated, slender body with a translucent to pale brown coloration and subtle darker mottling along the flanks. The body is smooth and scaleless, covered in a protective mucus layer. The head is small and streamlined with a pointed snout, small mouth, and long, highly sensitive barbels that help the fish navigate and locate food in low-light conditions. The fins are delicate and translucent, and the tail is moderately forked. Healthy specimens show clear eyes, smooth skin, intact fins, and a gently rounded belly. Their delicate appearance and subtle coloration make them a charming, understated addition to planted aquariums.

Natural Habitat

In the wild, Pimelodella gracilis inhabits slow to moderate-flowing rivers, forest streams, and tributaries across South America. The natural environment features warm, slightly acidic to neutral water with soft, sandy or muddy substrates and abundant cover in the form of submerged wood, leaf litter, and overhanging vegetation. These fish are nocturnal, hiding in sheltered spots during the day and emerging at dusk to forage for small invertebrates and organic matter. Natural conditions include subdued lighting, calm to moderate water flow, and plenty of hiding places. Replicating these conditions in captivity promotes natural behavior and reduces stress in these shy, delicate pimelodella catfish.

Aquarium Setup

A minimum 100-litre aquarium is suitable for a small group of Pimelodella gracilis. Use a soft, fine sand substrate to protect their delicate barbels and ventral surface. Provide plenty of hiding places using driftwood, smooth stones, caves, PVC tubes, and dense plant cover such as Java fern, Amazon sword, and Cryptocoryne species. Floating plants like water sprite or Amazon frogbit help diffuse lighting and create shaded areas that replicate their natural habitat. Gentle filtration with minimal water flow is ideal, as these fish do not thrive in strong currents. A tightly fitted lid is essential, as they may jump if startled. Subdued lighting enhances their comfort and encourages daytime hiding behavior.

Water Parameters

Slender pimelodella thrive in water with a pH of 6.0-7.5 and temperatures between 22-28°C. Maintain excellent water quality with weekly partial water changes of 25-30%, keeping ammonia and nitrite at zero and nitrate below 20 ppm. Soft to moderately hard water is preferred, replicating natural South American river conditions. Use a reliable heater and thermometer to prevent temperature fluctuations, which can stress the fish and compromise immune function. Ensure gentle filtration and calm water flow, avoiding strong surface agitation. Stable, clean water conditions are critical for long-term health and to prevent common diseases such as ich and bacterial infections in these delicate south american freshwater fish.

Feeding

Pimelodella gracilis is an omnivore with primarily carnivorous tendencies. Offer a varied sinking diet including quality carnivore pellets or wafers, frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and chopped earthworms. They will also accept some meaty prepared foods and may graze on biofilm. Feed once daily in the evening, as these fish are most active after dusk. Avoid overfeeding, which can degrade water quality. Ensure food reaches the bottom of the tank and is accessible to these shy, slow-feeding catfish—competition from more aggressive tankmates can lead to malnutrition. A varied, protein-rich diet supports healthy growth, coloration, and robust immune function.

Behaviour

Pimelodella gracilis is a peaceful, nocturnal species that spends most of the day hiding under driftwood, in caves, or among plant roots. As evening approaches, they become more active, gently foraging along the substrate and exploring the lower water column. They are shy and easily startled by sudden movements or bright lighting. In groups, they may occasionally rest together in sheltered spots, though they are not strongly social. Despite their timid nature, they are non-aggressive and pose no threat to other tank inhabitants. Their calm temperament and small size make them ideal additions to peaceful, planted community aquarium fish setups with other gentle species.

Tank Mates

Ideal tank mates for slender pimelodella include small to medium peaceful South American community fish such as tetras, rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and small peaceful dwarf cichlids like Apistogramma species. Avoid large aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping fish, very boisterous or predatory tankmates, large catfish that may outcompete or prey on them, and tiny fry or very small shrimp. Multiple Pimelodella gracilis can be kept together in groups of 3-5 or more in sufficiently large tanks with ample hiding spots. Their delicate nature and shy behavior mean they are best suited to calm, well-planted tropical catfish for sale uk environments with minimal competition for food and space.

Breeding

Breeding Pimelodella gracilis is not commonly reported in aquariums and likely requires excellent water quality, seasonal conditioning with rich foods, and a quiet, well-structured spawning environment. Little detailed information is available on their reproductive behavior in captivity. If breeding is attempted, provide plenty of hiding spots, caves, and soft, slightly acidic water with stable temperatures. Spawning may be triggered by cooler water changes or increased flow to simulate rainy season conditions. Fry, if produced, would require very fine foods such as infusoria or liquid fry food initially, progressing to newly hatched brine shrimp as they grow. Patience, observation, and a naturalistic setup are key to any breeding attempts.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

Tropical Fish Co is your trusted source for healthy, captive-bred slender pimelodella for sale UK, including the delicate Pimelodella gracilis. Each fish is quarantined, health-checked, and carefully acclimatized before dispatch, ensuring you receive vibrant, disease-free specimens ready to thrive in your aquarium. Our expert team provides personalized care advice, aquarium setup guidance, and ongoing support to help you succeed with these fascinating tropical freshwater catfish. With secure packaging, next-day delivery across the UK, and a commitment to sustainable aquarium practices, Tropical Fish Co is the best place to buy tropical fish UK online. Whether you're building a peaceful biotope tank or seeking a subtle, elegant addition to your community setup, our slender pimelodella catfish deliver both charm and character.