Catfish get their name from their whiskers, which are similar in appearance to those of cats and, like the latter, serve as a sensory organ.
What other characteristics allow us to distinguish this fish? If you continue reading this article, you will find out because we will explain the peculiarities and details of its diet, care, and reproduction.
History of catfish
Catfish, also known as catfish, belong to the order Siluriformes. Within this order, there are about 33 families, 400 genera, and more than 3000 species, both marine and freshwater.
Historically, this fish is dispersed throughout the world, except for Antarctica.
Some species have spines that have disappeared over years of evolution, and in some cases, a shell has also evolved.
Characteristics of catfish
- The primary characteristic of catfish is the presence of whiskers called filamentous barbels. These whiskers have a sensory function that allows them to detect food.
- Their heads are quite powerful, and they have small eyes. Siluriformes’ skin is hard and lacks scales. Instead, many species have a shell that serves as a protective mechanism against predators.
- The sharp spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins also fit this protecting function. However, as we mentioned before, evolution has caused these spines to be lost.
- The length is as variable as the number of species. In this sense, these fish can measure from 2 centimeters ( dwarf Corydoras ) to 2 meters ( giant Pangasius ).
- We talk about their variable weight, ranging from 1kg to 100 kg in the largest species. A catfish’s average life is between 7 and 15 years, which is long-lived.
When we discuss their behavior, we highlight that the catfish spends most of its time alone at the bottom of the aquariums. It does this by looking for food, usually the remains left by other species. Catfish are mostly nocturnal and more active at night.
Catfish are also known for being cleaners. They tend to eat food from other species left, preventing water contamination. Catfish belonging to the Loricariidae family have suction cups in their mouths that allow them to stick to the walls of the aquarium, thereby cleaning them.
Feeding catfish
The diet of catfish depends on the species, as it varies from one to another. In this sense, we find those that eat only plants, feed only on zooplankton, and even eat other fish.
If you have a catfish in your tank, what can you feed it? Options include tadpoles and other live insects, vegetables, and special bottom-dwelling fish food.
Catfish CareCatfish do not require much care. However, this does not mean you should put them in the aquarium and leave them there without paying attention.
Also, remember that the care you need to give your catfish will depend on the species you have, so when you buy it, ensure you get all the information you need.
However, in general, to take care of it as it deserves, keep these suggestions in mind:
Aquarium Features
The aquarium should be sufficient in size to accommodate all the catfish and allow them to swim freely. If you have between 4 and 6 fish, the capacity should be 30 liters of water. The pH should be between 6.4 and 7.4, and the temperature should be between 21 and 25º C.
A place to hide
This fish loves to hide, so you should provide a space in the aquarium where it can do so. You can contain rocks to do this.
A suitable background
We have already mentioned that this species’ favorite place is the bottom of the aquarium, so it spends most of its time there. To properly prepare the bottom, it is necessary to have a fine structure, for example, gravel, which will help it adapt better.
Taking care of your health
The main way to ensure that your catfish is in good health is to ensure the water is always clean and there is enough oxygen. Otherwise, bacterial diseases can occur.
Feeding
Catfish can eat the remains left by other fish, but they also need their own special diet occasionally, in which you can include live black worms, which are an accepted food for most of these fish.
Reproduction of catfish
Catfish reproduce by oviparous methods, and eggs are laid in nests or substrates. Water characteristics include temperature and change.
Once this occurs, the eggs will receive the father’s care until hatching.
This species turns out to be a great defender of nests, being able to fight with others to take care of it.
Catfish as food
With sweet and mild flesh, it is imported all over the world. In the southeastern United States, it is an extremely popular food.
Catfish are farmed in warm climates, cheap and safe food for local grocery stores. In Asia, many species are kept in high care. Along with Africa, it breeds Clariidae and Pangasiidae to a significant extent.
Catfish as aquarium fish
There is a large and growing trade. It is very popular with hundreds of catfish, especially the genus Corydoras. These are commonly known as cory.
Furthermore, the suckerfish, Aspredinidae, and Acanthodoras spinosissimus are found in the aquarium trade.
Danger lurking
The walking catfish originated in Florida. Representatives of the genus Ictalurus were mistakenly introduced into European waters, hoping to obtain a sporting and food resource.
However, it has only increased ecological pressure on native fauna. Suckerfish, released by aquarium enthusiasts, have settled in various warm waters worldwide. They have degraded habitats, reducing biodiversity and bringing disease.