In nature, there are about 2,000 species of catfish. Most of them are freshwater fish (only one percent lives in sea water). Types of aquarium catfish, of which there are about 800, can have a variety of sizes, as well as color and requirements for the conditions of detention. Their common distinguishing feature is the lack of scales and bottom lifestyle.
Many species are covered with horn plates and spikes. Another external feature that characterizes these fish can be called the presence of antennae and sometimes special suction cups, with the help of which they are held on stones in strong currents. Catfish can be both calm and get along well with other fish, and aggressive.
At the moment, the most common types of aquarium catfish are bred by amateurs, such as brocade pterigoplicht, white spotted agamixis, and catfish changeling. Next, we consider in detail their habits.
Brocade pterigoplicht
This catfish can be quite large
(30 cm). Therefore, to maintain it, you will need to purchase a fairly large aquarium - at least 100 liters. This catfish eats mainly plant food, but sometimes it should be given to him and a tubulo or bloodworm. From time to time, it may show some aggression towards representatives of its own species or other large fish, but not to those living in the middle and upper layers of the aquarium.
Somik Changeling
This is perhaps the most interesting aquarium fish. Soma, whose species swim upside down, are called changeling (or synodontis). At the bottom, this species moves in the usual way. Such fish live up to 10 years and can grow up to 10 cm. Such a catfish can be planted in an aquarium with a volume of 50 liters or more.
Agamyxis spotted
This catfish, perhaps more often than any other species, is found in amateur aquariums. Although these fish grow to as little as 10 cm, it is best to keep them in a container of at least one hundred liters. These fish can be fed with plant foods as well as animals.
Features of the content and reproduction
All types of aquarium catfish are cleaners by nature, since they collect from the bottom the remains of feed that are undernourished by other fish. When they are kept, it is mandatory to use equipment such as filters and aerators. In search of food, these fish dig the soil, and therefore raise a huge amount of particles of soil. As a result, the water becomes completely turbid. The most suitable type of aquarium for catfish is with a wide bottom and well-rooted vegetation. Be sure to equip a variety of shelters - bury ceramic pipes in the ground and make caves of stones.
Typically, spawning volumes of approximately 30 liters are used. Plexiglas or a bunch of grass (on which caviar will be laid) should be placed in the aquarium and a female and three males will be launched. All types of aquarium catfish require special conditions when breeding. It is best if the water temperature remains at the level of the order of +28 0 . For a successful result, it is also necessary to maintain neutral acidity (6-7 pH). The incubation period can last about 1 - 10 days. However, in most of the most common species, fry are usually hatched 3 days after the female lays eggs. At the top of this page are aquarium catfish. The species whose photographs you can see are called as follows: brocade pterigoplicht, catfish-changeling, white-spotted agamixis (top to bottom).