Ornate Pimelodus tank mates
Pimelodus ornatus
6 rated pairings from the Ornate Pimelodus care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Ornate Pimelodus needs at least 180 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Good matches
6 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.Severum
Heros severus
55 gal min · 8" adult · Semi-aggressive
Large enough to avoid predation and shares similar water parameters
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
75 gal min · 12" adult · Aggressive
Robust cichlid of comparable size that can hold its own
Spotted Raphael Catfish
Agamyxis pectinifrons
30 gal min · 6" adult · Peaceful
Armored catfish that is too large and spiny to be eaten
Sailfin Pleco
Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps
150 gal min · 24" adult · Peaceful
Large pleco that occupies similar zones but is well-armored
Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
55 gal min · 6" adult · Peaceful
Fast-moving, large schooling fish that is difficult to predate upon
Flag Tail Prochilodus
Semaprochilodus taeniurus
125 gal min · 12" adult · Semi-aggressive
Large, active South American species sharing compatible water conditions
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.