characteristics

Catfish It is one of the most fish looks on hot water tank and also it is known by its scientific name, the fish silurids. With respect to its common name, receives its specific name, by the resemblance to a cat because of the extent of their mustaches, that provide it with a likeable character and ends up be easily recognizable among the other fish. In addition to being a fish known for its ornamental character, also it has a very important role in the aquarium, as They are very good cleaners. Let's see a little more in depth as they are these small animals.

Morphology

The most characteristic feature of silurids, are the tentacles or chins extending to each side of the upper jaw, like a cat's whiskers are those who give that name. further, in some species, also they have whiskers on the lower jaw. Catfish It has a dorsal and pectoral fins, which are usually provided with sharp thorns They are acting as a defense where some species, They can be poisonous. particularity, say that unlike other fish, these, They do not have scales, which makes the fish does not have the typical gloss that can have other fish. Its color, is dark gray on top of the same, it is becoming clearer by the belly.

Distribution and habitat

the silurids They originate mostly in North America (1200 different species) and was introduced in Europe at the beginning of the twentieth century where today, We can find it in almost all rivers in Europe. It is a species that lives in fresh water and can be easily adapted to life in the aquarium, obviously some species, and others can measure up to four meters. Thanks to its ease of adaptation, you may find along several continents. Catfish You can live in environments with low oxygen or backwaters, where there is little water if you can live without problems hidden in the mud, where you can spend many months waiting for rain again and again to fill with water pond where it is. It is a fish fleeing largely cold temperatures, preferring waters environment are the 16 Y 20 degrees so if we want to fish, it would be advisable to look in bogs, ponds and raceways, shallow and if possible, full of algae and plants.

Aquarium conditions

To enjoy a catfish in your aquarium, it is advisable to provide the necessary habitat. For it, it is important to have logs and other accessories, with which you can easily hide. The gravel bottom has to be thin, as these fish They spend much time at the bottom and scrabbling and thereby, We will prevent its tentacles hurt. Otherwise, the temperature of the aquarium should be hot water.

Feeding

Depending on the species, changing the feed. This is usually quite varied and have since herbivorous species, others prefer to some aquatic invertebrates, still others will feed on other fish and other zooplankton, so it is important to clear the species we have in our aquarium.

Behavior and compatibility

They are quite peaceful fish that will like to hide in the vegetation of the aquarium, but as they gain confidence, They will emerge from their hiding places. Its activity is nocturnal and rule parasitize other fish. Once they reach maturity, They may adopt a more territorial and solitary attitude.

Reproduction

If you want to get young catfish, you should not worry too much since they alone are responsible reproduction very well, as the male, You can protect the eggs in her mouth, until they reach maturity, and they hatch and leave themselves to find food on their own.

Tips

Enjoy a catfish in your fish tank can bring many benefits to it. A cleaner acting, You can collaborate with the development of it, since it can feed many debris from the bottom or walls, which will make the environment much more viable for other species. Due to the morphology and behavior of the fish, It is a perfect kind to offer more variety in your tank, so in addition to an aide in cleaning, You will get improve the variety within the same.