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Catfish come in many different species and from many different places around the world. Here are some basic facts about the catfish and how to care for the fish in captivity.
The Catfish, known to scientists as the Siluridae, has several different types. The Glass Catfish from Asia, and India in particular received its name from the clear coating that covers it's body and it's virtually clear body. while there are other varieties of catfish, they are not as desirable as the Glass catfish for the purpose of being in an aquarium. The fish is about 3 1/2" inches long and has the obvious "whiskers" on it's upper lip which lend it the name catfish. These whiskers are also called barbells.
The Glass Catfish is not a terribly social animal, choosing to bend into the background and not move around a whole lot. Catfish normally feed at the surface of the water and tend to eat prefer living organisms. They are not typically very picky eaters and have a reputation for being scavengers, making them a very helpful fish. They are a hardy fish and are not affected very much by water temperature or alkalinity or acidity.
Catfish not only eat other decomposing fish, they also feed on many other decomposing materials. Their diet also includes many photo-synthetic organisms like algae. Having a fish like this around will help prevent the build-up of algae in your tank.
A unique feature of catfish is that their skeletal system is made of bone, instead of cartilage like many other fish. Instead of the fleshy fins many other fish possess, the catfish has bones. Again, unlike many of its aquatic neighbors, the catfish does not have scales. The whiskers that it has not only respond to touch, but also help it smell and taste.
The Upside down Catfish comes from the Begian Congo. The fish can become 2 inches long as an adult. What makes this fish unique that it looks like it swims upside down. This is because the eye is actually below the mouth while the whiskers are attached to the chin and point upward. Though it looks like it swims upside down, it actually swims right side up. This catfish is great for cohabitation with other fish in a tank because of it is a scavenger and will help keep the amount of algae in your tank to a minimum.
Another very interesting species is the Electric Catfish. While it can become 10 feet long in open waters, it will only grow to two feet in length in an aquarium. This fish is found around lakes, rivers and streams in the west and central parts of Africa. The body of this fish is cylindrical and though is possesses no dorsal fin, it compensates for that with a sizable and strong adipose fin. It will give off an electrical shock to anyone who would come near and therefore is not good for including with other fish in your aquarium. The shock is similar to that of an electric eel but is not nearly as strong or severe. The shock is stronger than that of the Mormyridae however.
The diet of the electric catfish consists mostly of meat, worms, and fish smaller than itself. It is famous for being a nocturnal animal will eat a whole lot.
As with many other species of catfish water temperature and pH are not a big issue. As long as this guy has lots of food and water, he is happy.
The Catfish, known to scientists as the Siluridae, has several different types. The Glass Catfish from Asia, and India in particular received its name from the clear coating that covers it's body and it's virtually clear body. while there are other varieties of catfish, they are not as desirable as the Glass catfish for the purpose of being in an aquarium. The fish is about 3 1/2" inches long and has the obvious "whiskers" on it's upper lip which lend it the name catfish. These whiskers are also called barbells.
The Glass Catfish is not a terribly social animal, choosing to bend into the background and not move around a whole lot. Catfish normally feed at the surface of the water and tend to eat prefer living organisms. They are not typically very picky eaters and have a reputation for being scavengers, making them a very helpful fish. They are a hardy fish and are not affected very much by water temperature or alkalinity or acidity.
Catfish not only eat other decomposing fish, they also feed on many other decomposing materials. Their diet also includes many photo-synthetic organisms like algae. Having a fish like this around will help prevent the build-up of algae in your tank.
A unique feature of catfish is that their skeletal system is made of bone, instead of cartilage like many other fish. Instead of the fleshy fins many other fish possess, the catfish has bones. Again, unlike many of its aquatic neighbors, the catfish does not have scales. The whiskers that it has not only respond to touch, but also help it smell and taste.
The Upside down Catfish comes from the Begian Congo. The fish can become 2 inches long as an adult. What makes this fish unique that it looks like it swims upside down. This is because the eye is actually below the mouth while the whiskers are attached to the chin and point upward. Though it looks like it swims upside down, it actually swims right side up. This catfish is great for cohabitation with other fish in a tank because of it is a scavenger and will help keep the amount of algae in your tank to a minimum.
Another very interesting species is the Electric Catfish. While it can become 10 feet long in open waters, it will only grow to two feet in length in an aquarium. This fish is found around lakes, rivers and streams in the west and central parts of Africa. The body of this fish is cylindrical and though is possesses no dorsal fin, it compensates for that with a sizable and strong adipose fin. It will give off an electrical shock to anyone who would come near and therefore is not good for including with other fish in your aquarium. The shock is similar to that of an electric eel but is not nearly as strong or severe. The shock is stronger than that of the Mormyridae however.
The diet of the electric catfish consists mostly of meat, worms, and fish smaller than itself. It is famous for being a nocturnal animal will eat a whole lot.
As with many other species of catfish water temperature and pH are not a big issue. As long as this guy has lots of food and water, he is happy.
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