This catfish locates its' food by smell and by feeling it with its antennae. The Four-lined Pimodella especially likes worms of all kinds and some of its favorites are bloodworms and earthworms.
The spine on the dorsal fin has a saw-edged tip that acts like a barbed hook. It used to be said that the dorsal spine of the Four-lined Pimodella is poisonous and should be avoided. Recently though several authors have said this is probably not true.
The Four-lined Pimodella swims in the lower portion or bottom of the aquarium and should be provided places to hide during the day. Only occasionally will it go to the surface to breath air through its intestinal respiratory system. These fish can also be kept in brackish water.