About two thousand species of catfish inhabit the fresh waters of the world. These are some of the ancient fish planets, their fossil remains discovered in the sediments of the end Cretaceous period(70 million years ago).

One of the main signs is the absence of scales, often replaced by bone plates. Catfish lead a bottom nocturnal or twilight lifestyle. There are also predators among them, but most species prefer detritus, plant food and benthic invertebrates. Aquarists keep up to 800 species of catfish, not counting hybrid forms. Normal aquarium conditions are suitable for keeping: hardness 6-12°, temperature 22-26 °C. acidity is neutral, with slight deviations in one direction or another. Through cutaneous respiration, or the ability to breathe atmospheric air, most catfish are not demanding on the oxygen regime. Haplosternums, for example, swallow air, it enters the intestine and is absorbed into the blood through a dense network of capillaries.

They are represented by almost one and a half hundred species, common in the waters of South America. These are typically omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish. Their body is quite tall, triangular in cross section, covered with bone plates arranged in two parallel rows, reminiscent of parquet. The small lower mouth is surrounded by three pairs of antennae, which help in searching for food. Males are slimmer than females and have more developed dorsal and pectoral fins. Callichthids get along well with any fish, simply ignoring them completely. They themselves are unattractive prey even for large predators. In aquariums with armored catfish that constantly dig at the bottom, it is necessary to arrange efficient water filtration, cover the bottom with pebbles, and plant plants with a strong root system.

The impetus for the spawning of callicht catfish is a drop in atmospheric pressure, the addition of soft, cooled water by five degrees and the presence of a substrate for laying eggs. Incubation period 5-8 days at a temperature of 25 °C. The starting norms are rotifers, microworms, brine shrimp and mixed feed.

Of the armored catfishes, the most common among aquarists are genera Corydoras and Hoplosternum. The genus Corydoras includes the golden catfish (C. aeneus) and the speckled catfish (C. paleatus). The body of the Corydoras is short and ridged. The abdomen is flat, the back is convex. The male's dorsal fin is pointed. The main color of the speckled catfish is olive with a metallic sheen, the back is darker, and the belly is yellow-orange. Irregular ones are scattered throughout the body dark spots. The golden catfish has a wide shiny dark green stripe running along its entire body. In the anterior third above it there is a narrow golden one. The head and back are dark brown. Both species have albino forms. The speckled catfish is an old-timer in aquariums. Its first breeding dates back to 1878.

Hybrids of golden and speckled catfish are widespread in aquariums, as well as their hybrids with Corydoras Rabo, Schwartz and black-striped Bond. The fish grow up to 7 centimeters in length, females are larger than males. Vessels with a volume of at least 80 liters are suitable for spawning. The fish are placed in a spawning tank in a group, with a predominance of males. The water temperature is slightly above 20 °C. The composition does not play a role. The female lays her eggs in the pelvic fins folded together, where they are fertilized by the males, and glues them to a solid substrate. This could be a leaf of a plant or glass of an aquarium. If spawning took place in a community aquarium, the eggs can be carefully removed with a razor and transferred to a separate vessel for incubation. The best starter food is brine shrimp.

In addition to those mentioned, at least three dozen more Corydoras can be found in aquariums.

The genus Hoplosternum is much less rich in species. But one of them is perhaps the most famous aquarium catfish.

Torakatum ( Hoplosternumthoracatum) from Eastern Brazil has been bred in Russia since 1910. This is a fish with a long round body, reaching 18 centimeters in length. The body is covered with two rows of plates, like the Corydoras. At the highest point of the back there is a rather large dorsal. The color of the catfish is brownish-brown, with irregular dark spots. There is a black color option. In males, the anterior ray of the pectoral fin is greatly thickened and turned into a powerful bony spine of orange-bloody color.

Torakatums build foam nests under floating objects and plant leaves, releasing air bubbles not with their mouths, like labyrinths, but from under the gill covers. In the spawning area, the easiest way is to use a foam raft the size of a school notebook. During spawning, a female can spawn up to 1000 eggs. The male is left to guard the nest, but the raft with the eggs stuck to it can be transferred to a separate vessel. It is advisable to carry out prophylaxis against fungi and add methylene blue or trypaflavin to the water. Two days after hatching, the juveniles begin to take artemia.

Beige hoplosternum ( Hoplosternumlitorale) the size is not inferior to the previous type. The color is beige-olive, sometimes gray with a greenish tint. The body is torpedo-shaped. These catfish build nests in the form of a large and high cap of foam mixed with scraps of plants.

Both species of Hoplosternum are unpretentious, peaceful fish that love darkness. In aquariums, shelters made of driftwood and stones and shaded areas of the bottom are desirable. During maintenance, water parameters do not play a role. In spawning grounds, it is necessary to add soft water and raise the temperature to 24 ° C.

Neither experienced aquarists nor beginners are deprived of attention. A distinctive feature of these bottom fish- a strongly elongated or flattened body, completely covered with multifaceted bony plates, and a well-developed oral sucker with tubercles and outgrowths for scraping off algal formations. Males are larger, brighter and slimmer than females. In adulthood, they have numerous outgrowths on their heads that resemble plant roots - tentacles. In females they are much less pronounced. The main food of loricariid catfish is plant-based, but they do not refuse bloodworms, tubifex, fillets of sea fish and sinking feed.

The eggs are deposited in ceramic or glass tubes. During the entire incubation time of the eggs, 6-10 days, the male sits in the tube, covering the eggs with his body. If spawning occurred in a common aquarium, the tube, along with the male and the eggs, is transferred to a separate container, simply closing the ends with your hands. When the fry swims, the male is removed, and the fry is fed with brine shrimp, mixed feed or algae paste.

- from Brazilian waters. The flat body is painted in dark colors with light spots. The abdomen is light. The large dorsal fin resembles a flag. The fish grow into good conditions up to 14 cm. They swim ineptly and reluctantly. They spend most of their time clinging to the glass of the aquarium or plant leaves and scraping off algae. Activated in the dark and when atmospheric pressure drops. Ancistrus are quite suitable for the conditions of a general aquarium, to the other inhabitants of which they do not pay the slightest attention.

The female lays 50-100 sticky, oblong, bright orange eggs that resemble small barberries. The water in the spawning tank and nursery aquarium needs to be slightly acidic, pH=6.0-6.5, temperature 26 °C. The fry begins to take food 6-8 days after hatching.

- one of a large family of fish, most widely known as “red loricaria”. The body is elongated, highly elongated, thin. The length of an adult fish reaches 12 cm. The color is red, of various shades. The male is slimmer and has a brush of bristles on his pectoral fins. Loricarias are absolutely peaceful fish. They lead a modest lifestyle, often hiding so that it is impossible to find them in the aquarium. They take any food from the bottom. Spawning is seasonal - in winter. It flows like ancistrus. Suitable tube diameter is about 30 mm. Swimming fry look like scraps of threads 7 mm long. They are very sensitive to water contamination with organic matter. In a nursery aquarium, a filter with activated carbon and a daily complete replacement of water with fresh water of the same composition and temperature are required. Settled tap water, passed through a filter, is suitable. The fry grows quickly and soon ceases to react painfully to pollution.

When installing filters in aquariums with chain-linked catfish, and especially with their juveniles, it is necessary to prevent fish from getting into the structure. They tend to look for cracks and holes and crawl into them. Once caught in the filter, catfish usually die.

- a catfish with a very thin and long body. The snout is sharp, the pectoral and dorsal fins are large, in the shape of a sharp triangle. It grows up to 30 cm, while being almost a complete vegetarian. He is picky about food - he needs algae tablets, lettuce, even cucumbers. Does not tolerate pollution. The eggs are laid in a tube.

Luxurious catfish from the river. Orinoco. Black or dark brown spots - brocade - are evenly scattered over the light body. The dorsal fin is large and high, sail-shaped. The mouth is a large, strong sucker. Swims poorly and reluctantly. It eats fouling and scrapes wood snags that need to be provided to it. But he doesn’t refuse bloodworms either. Water hardness varies widely, temperature from 23 to 30 °C.

The "brocade catfish" has become very fashionable in recent years, but often becomes a problem for beginners. On sale there are usually juveniles measuring 5-7 cm. When purchasing a catfish, they often do not know that it can grow up to 30-35 cm. In a small aquarium, pterygoplicht becomes a “bull in a china shop”, and in a large aquarium, with slow large fish, for example discus fish, trying to attach to them. Catfish are probably attracted to the mucus that covers their body. As a result, the scales are damaged and ulcers may occur. Pterygoplichts does not pay attention to small fish. We can recommend catfish from the genus Hystomus, similar to Pterygoplichthas, which lack this disadvantage and do not grow so quickly.

The body shape is strongly reminiscent of Pterygoplichthas. The dorsal fin is smaller, the color is brown, reddish or reddish. Imported under the names Hypostomus sp., Hypostomus spotted, Hypostomus red, Hypostomus albino and Hypostomus watawata. The last name seems closest to the truth. The conditions of detention are no different from the brocade catfish.

Watawata from Peru is the most useful inhabitant aquarium A convinced vegetarian, not paying attention to bloodworms, is constantly busy cleaning the aquarium of algae. To perform ideal continuous cleaning in a two-hundred-liter container, one catfish is enough. In my pet store, there is always one Watawata catfish in each aquarium. If the catfish does not have enough pasture, it is necessary to feed it with plant food.

Covered with a durable bone shell, absent on the flat belly. Crepuscular, solitary fish looking for food at the bottom. The dorsal and pectoral fins are equipped with strong, jagged spines. Be careful: catfish easily get entangled in the net, and a pricked finger hurts for a long time. If you pick up a catfish in your hands, it makes a loud squeaking sound. Omnivores, but need at least a third of plant food. Withstands a wide range of water hardness, acidity and temperature. They are indifferent to the oxygen content in water and can swallow atmospheric air. Aquariums most often contain agamix (Agamyxis flavopictus) - black in color, with light spots, and platidor (Platydoras costatus), which has yellow stripes on its dark brown body - two on the sides and one on the ridge. Both fish have a short massive body and a large head with not very long whiskers. They grow up to 12-15 cm. They do not pay attention to their neighbors, busy with their own affairs. They require not too coarse gravel at the bottom and shelters made of ceramics or driftwood. The content is not complicated. Breeding is only available to experienced aquarists.

Killer whales are fast, sociable, diurnal catfish that stay in the water column. They are not very predatory and can be kept in a species aquarium with other fish. The skin is bare, without bony plates, the first ray of the dorsal fin is transformed into a hard spine. Water parameters can vary widely. Omnivorous, but live food is preferred. Males are smaller and slimmer.

The most popular killer whale is . It would be more correct to call the catfish “tengara”, since several other mistuses are common, but the name has taken root in the aquarium hobby. The body is elongated, silver-gray, with a bluish tint and light longitudinal stripes. The eyes are large, with contrasting “earrings” behind the gill covers. The snout has four pairs of rather long antennae. Length up to 12 cm. Mistus is a “shock” fish. If there is a sudden change in conditions, for example during a transplant, he “faints” and may die. It doesn’t matter whether the new conditions are worse or better, the mystus reacts only to their change. Before planting newly acquired fish in the aquarium, you need to smoothly equalize the water parameters. The easiest way is to add water from the aquarium intended for it to the water in which the catfish arrived, using a thin tube.

Reddish killer whale ( Mystusmiracanthus), similar in shape to Mystus, but colored in pink-red tones, with large dark spots behind the gill covers and a dark band on the caudal peduncle, and the Siamese killer whale (Leiocassis siamensis), dark brown, with wide yellow transverse stripes, like a bumblebee, contain less often. Caring for them is not difficult, breeding is not mastered.

- a genus of African catfish from the rivers Zaire, Nile, Niger, Zambezi and others. About 10-15 years ago they suddenly entered Russian aquarium fashion. Many of them are peaceful and calm fish, quite large in size. The body is torpedo-shaped, triangular in cross-section, with a large, wide head. Three pairs of long branched mustaches. The color is very variable - from ash-gray to almost black with dark and light spots. All types of synodonts are able to swim belly up, combing the surface of the water with fluffy mustaches and collecting insects that have fallen into the water. For the skinwalker (S. nigriventris), this method of swimming has become the main one. Keeping synodonts is not a problem. The water reaction is neutral, the temperature is 22-26 ° C, but it is advisable to increase the hardness to 18 °. Catfish become active at night, eating bloodworms and other food prepared in advance for them at the bottom. Reproduction of synodonts is very difficult. Only from one species (Synodontis spec.) is it possible to obtain offspring in the traditional way, and even then not always.

The most common are: Angelic synodont, (S.angelicus)- black, with white polka dots. Contrary to its name, it attacks small fish and is only suitable for keeping with cichlids or other fish that can fend for themselves. Size up to 20 cm, usually no more than 15. Changeling (S. nigriventris)- a peaceful catfish up to 6 cm long. Suitable for any aquarium. The color is gray, with streaks, but recently a pure black color option has appeared. Cuckoo (S. multipunctatus)- not a bad companion in a community aquarium. The color is gray-yellow, with dark round spots. Drops its eggs on spawning African cichlids.

- the only species in the family. The body of this catfish is cylindrical, elongated, and the color is black-blue or brown. Sometimes with two golden longitudinal lines. There are also albinos. On the jaws there are 4 pairs of long, dark whiskers directed forward. Size up to 30 cm. Males are brighter and slimmer than females.

During spawning, the coloration of the spawners intensifies and spots appear on the body. The catfish is attractive not because of its color, but unusual shape. These catfish breathe atmospheric air. From the gill cavity to the tail itself, two air sacs extend, acting as lungs. In nature, this adaptation allows catfish to wait out drought, remaining almost without water in semi-dried mud. They can be kept in ordinary aquarium conditions. During the day, catfish prefer to hide in shelters under stones, snags or plant roots. They treat other inhabitants with indifference, but they can thoroughly scare away other fish trying to take their favorite place on the bottom. In order to avoid conflicts, it is better not to keep other bottom-dwelling species in an aquarium with them. The spawning area requires sandy soil, on which after stormy mating games Up to 5000 eggs are spawned. The fry swims on the seventh day, it is easily fed with compound feed and grows quickly.

When young, it is very similar to the sacbranch catfish. The main difference is the dorsal fin, which extends almost along the entire body. The natural color is brown, with small specks. The marble form often goes on sale. The body is light yellow with dark brown large “marbled” spots. This is a voracious predator for a large species aquarium. It can grow as thick and as long as a teenager's arm. The content is very simple - almost any water parameters. Omnivorous and very voracious.

Catfish from Thailand are very popular in aquariums around the world. It has been imported to Russia not very long ago and is still little known among newcomers. The body is shark-shaped, bluish-silver, with a dark longitudinal stripe. The back is dark. A flock of pangasius rushes feverishly around the aquarium, adhering to the middle layers of water, greatly enlivening the underwater landscape. Quite a peaceful species, suitable for keeping with not too small species. He may panic and “faint,” but quickly comes to his senses. Gluttonous, grows quickly reaching 20 cm. Any food, temperature 23-27 "C, neutral water with slight deviations.

Active during the day, completely peaceful catfish with a transparent body. Internal organs and skeleton are visible through transparent muscles and skin. Lives in average aquarium conditions, but only in a flock. Single individuals die quickly. Keep only with peaceful neighbors such as small characins or livebearers. Easily picks up infection from sick fish. At the same time, the transparent body of the catfish becomes cloudy. Thickets of plants are needed as shelters. A small regular water change is needed. Does not tolerate dirt well. It stays in the middle layers of water, swims slowly, “carefully”. Live and dry food is suitable. It grows no larger than 10 cm.

More interesting articles

Aquarium catfish

Golden or bronze Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus) is one of the most famous and popular aquarium fish; this type of Corydoras can always be found on sale. Also, with the help of selection, additional strains of this species were bred: albinos and a variety with long fins. For some time, “short-bodied” golden corydoras and artificially colored specimens appeared on sale. Golden corydoras are very hardy,

Albino Corydoras (Corydoras paleatus) is a pseudoalbino cultivar that was developed commercially from dark speckled Corydoras paleatus. Currently, the Albino Corydoras is a very popular and common aquarium fish, pinkish-white in color with bright red eyes. Externally, this variety is very similar to the albino aeneus obtained from the bronze or golden corydoras catfish (Corydoras aeneus),

Corydoras julii is a beautiful aquarium fish with an interesting pattern, a small bottom-dwelling catfish. The body of this species is creamy white, covered with small black spots with bold central horizontal stripes. For such an interesting coloring, the fish is also called leopard catfish or leopard corydoras. This is a very active small (up to 5 cm in length) corydoras, peaceful, loves to be in company

Hypancistrus zebra is an amazingly beautiful aquarium fish, the chain-mail catfish, quite rare and expensive. In the numbering of chain-mailed (loricariid) catfish, it is listed under the numbers L46 or L98, also known as zebra pleco, imperial pleco catfish.

Bunocephalus coracoideus is an aquarium fish for those who want to keep an unusual pet. Catfish banjo is very strange in appearance, but is becoming increasingly popular among hobbyists. Bunocephalus translated from Latin means “lumpy head.” And all appearance catfish, wide head and narrow body, resemble a guitar or banjo, for which the catfish received

Green Corydoras or emerald brochis (Corydoras splendens, formerly Brochis splendens) is a relatively small aquarium bottom-dwelling catfish. Previously, emerald brochis was assigned to the genus Brochis, but later, in 2003, it was included in the Corydoras. Currently, it is still often found under the name "brochis". Like other corydoras, Brochis emerald has a modified, highly vascularized intestine, which

Representatives of the catfish family inhabit fresh water bodies all over the planet, but are quite rare in the seas. A distinctive feature of catfish is the absence of scales, although nature took care of some species by giving them a shell or bony plates.

In total, there are about 30 catfish families and about 2,000 species, 800 of which are successfully kept and bred by home fish lovers in aquariums. In most aquariums, catfish prefer the lower and bottom layers of water, and also lead an active lifestyle in twilight and darkness.

Adults of dwarf catfish reach 2 cm, and giant catfish - 5 m.

Among catfish there are aggressive and peaceful views, herbivores, predators and omnivores, poisonous, crawling on land, with electrical organs, and also possessing other various features of the entire diversity of representatives of the teleost order.

Brocade catfish is the most popular member of the family.

Who lives in the aquarium?

Chain catfish have gained the greatest popularity in the aquarium hobby over the past 20 years, and this is supported by new imported representatives of previously unexplored species. To eliminate confusion and make it easier to distinguish between species, they began to be numbered in order of appearance with the index L (from the Latin Loricariidae - chain-mail catfish).

Previously, everyone's favorites were small, armored (from the Latin: Callichthyidae) catfish, distinguished by their peaceful nature and varied colors. This order of catfish must be kept in groups.

Many species of armored catfish (callichthid catfish, armored catfish, armored catfish) are easy to reproduce in an aquarium compared to armored catfish. Armored catfish often lay eggs on plants and other structures, after which they stop caring for them. The female chain catfish lays eggs in grottoes, snags, tubes, burrows, hollows, where the male protects the clutch. In some species of chain catfish, until the fry hatch, the males carry the eggs behind an enlarged lower lip.

The lifespan of some species of aquarium catfish reaches 15 years. Depending on the conditions of keeping and care, catfish in an aquarium live on average from 5 to 10 years.

For beginning aquarists, the main thing to remember is that catfish are not eaters of garbage and waste. They, just like other aquarium inhabitants, need care. Special food, soft soil in the aquarium, places where you can hide from bright light, and the necessary water parameters will provide aquarium catfish with comfortable living conditions and conditions for reproduction.

Armored catfish corydoras.

Catfish: care and maintenance

Before releasing purchased catfish into the aquarium, it is necessary to take into account a number of factors affecting their life activity:

• soil at the bottom of the aquarium;
• water parameters;
• presence of vegetation;
• shelters and decorations;
• compatibility with other fish species.

The Indian glass catfish is one of the most interesting aquarium fish.

What should an aquarium be like?

Aquarium soil is part of the decor of any aquarium. It is worth knowing that many representatives of this family like to dig in the soil for food debris and young plant growth. Therefore, if the soil fraction is 3-5 mm, then a large amount of bottom turbidity will form, which can be removed using a powerful filter.

Constant digging in soil 8-10 m in size leads to an audible rustling sound. Small catfish, 5-6 cm in size, move medium-sized stones and pebbles, as well as light commercial structures. It is better not to place large gravel on the bottom of the aquarium, since some types of catfish can damage the soft and delicate tissues of the abdomen and antennae, which leads to infection. And damage to the antennae threatens the loss of taste buds.

The mobile pangasius can easily be mistaken for a shark.

Decorating a pond for catfish

Plants are mostly artificial. A good root system will ensure the survival of living plants in an aquarium with catfish. Vegetation such as cryptocarina or echindorus is suitable.

Catfish prefer a solitary lifestyle, with dim light. In order for them to feel comfortable, they need shelter, grape roots, stones where they could lead a secluded lifestyle, relax or sleep, as well as driftwood, which is a source of edible cellulose.

In the presence of bright light, catfish may not be seen at all; they will constantly hide in thickets of plants or snags.

If you make an aquarium without shelters, the catfish will be uncomfortable and their life expectancy will be sharply reduced.

Hypancistrus zebra is one of the most beautiful catfish.

Get along with other fish

The majority of catfish are peaceful, they do not conflict with their neighbors, but they can sort things out among themselves. At the same time, it is extremely rare that a stronger and more powerful catfish kills its relative. When choosing catfish for an aquarium, it is necessary to take into account the customs of other inhabitants. If the rest of the fish are small, then herbivorous catfish species are best suited. If the neighbors are aggressive and large, the new inhabitants of the aquarium must be powerful so that they can fend for themselves.

Catfish can be kept in the same aquarium with shrimp, except for obvious aggressive and predatory species, and it is better to avoid the proximity of crayfish and crabs.

Outside of water, Platydoras is capable of making creaking sounds using bony plates located on its body.

How to feed?

Catfish are omnivores, and their main diet consists of cyclops, daphnia, and they also consume dry food in the form of sinking granules. To ensure adequate nutrition, you need to feed catfish with spirulina in tablets for herbivorous fish.

Many representatives enjoy eating food plant origin. Only obvious predators require special feeding. Catfish eat rotten places on driftwood, polishing them to a shine. When choosing hollow driftwood, you need to take into account the growth of the fish. It is worth providing them with space to turn around or eliminating the possibility of getting stuck in a hollow.

The presence of two or four pairs of whiskers located near the oral apparatus is distinctive feature all species of catfish. Antennae are sensitive taste organs that are used when searching for food. The presence of large whiskers and a wide mouthparts suggest the possibility of catfish hunting for smaller fish.

Loricariid catfish are known for their modified oral cavity, with which they eat plant and organic fouling, and are also able to stay on various surfaces in the fast flow of the Amazon.

Reproduction of catfish

For breeding armored catfish, an aquarium from 30 to 70 liters is suitable - a spawning tank. If the aquarium is a species aquarium, then you can breed catfish directly in it. The spawning tank is equipped with snags and plants. Lighting should be dim, twilight. Enhanced aeration of the aquarium is also provided.

The spawning ground can be without any soil or plants at all, with natural light.

It is worth maintaining the water temperature from 17 to 25°C, and it should be non-acidic and clean. Two to three males are recommended for one female; if there are several females in the spawning tank, there should be 1.3-1.8 times more males.

To stimulate spawning the following is done:

• change temperature regime in an aquarium, increasing or decreasing the temperature by 2-3 ° C per day, in the range from 17 to 25 ° C;
• changing water up to 50% of the total volume of the spawning tank for 2-3 days (once a day);
• enhance aeration and purify water with air.

The composition of the water in the spawning area is not much different from the main composition for permanent residence. The main thing is that the acidity is neutral. Water with a temperature of 18 to 20°C is considered the most favorable for reproduction. The female becomes suitable for new spawning after 7-10 days.

In chain-mailed catfishes, reproduction occurs in a slightly different way. Males of this family are territorial, so they are kept separately, with 1-2 females placed with them. Inverted flower pots, grottoes, caves, and driftwood are used as spawning grounds. The male thoroughly cleans his “apartment” and then invites the female to spawn. If she is satisfied with the home, she spawns 20-100 large yellowish eggs, which are immediately fertilized by the male. After spawning, he drives her away and continues to independently care for the offspring, maintaining cleanliness, fanning the clutch with fins and removing dead eggs.

Catfish synadontis.

How does mating happen?

The courtship period lasts 7-10 days, during which the male demonstrates himself in all his glory from all sides. He tries to arouse the female's interest and curiosity by circling around her and following her closely. When the female shows favor, she allows her to touch her with her antennae, showing her readiness to reproduce the species.

The male holds the female's antennae with his pectoral fins and body. At the same time, it produces eggs in its pelvic fins (folding them, forming a container for the eggs) 1-5 pieces each. and at the same time takes the male’s milk into his mouth, after which he selects a place for spawning (plant leaves, flat bottom stones, aquarium glass). The female catfish removes the laying area and cleans it, after which, lubricating it with milk, she carefully lays out the eggs. The caviar is large, from 1 to 2 mm, a single clutch consists of 50 or more eggs (up to 200, depending on the size and type of fish).

Gerinocheilus effectively destroys unwanted vegetation, but at the same time it is an extremely aggressive neighbor.

Caring for fry

After spawning, the parent catfish are placed in a common aquarium, and the water temperature in the spawning area is maintained to 19-21°C, while natural lighting is left or the spawning area is slightly shaded. 8-12 days after laying, the larvae emerge from the eggs and then eat the residual yolk sac of his former place of residence.

It is recommended to feed the fry with ciliates or dry food for fry (specialized or regular, crushed into dust). After 7-10 days, the diet can be expanded with brine shrimp, nematodes or crushed other live foods (bloodworms, tubifex).

Fry of chain catfish are fed with grated egg yolk, scalded rolled oats, lettuce and chopped green peas.

The adult coloration of the fry is formed after eight weeks and completes its formation on the tenth; then during life it changes slightly.

Catfish reach sexual maturity at the age of 8-12 months.

Because of large quantity of catfish species, many fanciers assume that the conditions of detention for all catfish are the same, and the fish becomes a victim of improper care. Before purchasing catfish, it is extremely important to study reference literature on the species being purchased. Each of them requires individual care and maintenance, although in comparison with other representatives of the aquarium they are unpretentious and undemanding.

Video: catfish divide territory.

Aquarium catfish- these are not just inhabitants underwater world. They also act as a natural filter, eating mucus secreted by other inhabitants of the aquarium. That is why catfish breeding is a very popular phenomenon.

The aquarium catfish lives on the bottom, so you need to have a clear idea of ​​how to properly care for it, who can be placed next to these animals and who cannot, and how to properly equip the aquarium.

Description of the fish

Aquarium catfish are bright representatives of the catfish order. The order includes several families.

Individuals of this species are considered one of the most ancient representatives of the fauna, as evidenced by the presence of bone plates covering the body instead of scales in some species. Most still have a body that is covered simply by skin. One more characteristic feature is the presence of mustaches, of which there can be one pair or several.

Catfish live at the bottom of reservoirs and are crepuscular or night look life. During the daytime, they mostly rest, but as soon as it gets dark, they go out in search of food. They can be both predators and omnivores. This point must be taken into account when organizing the care and maintenance of these animals.

As for the color, it can be different, from dark gray tones to speckled brownish ones. Typically, aquarium catfish have a protective, camouflage color, and their lifestyle is secretive.

Popular types of aquarium catfish

Among the most popular types of aquarium catfish are the following:

If we consider the types of aquarium catfish, then Ancistrus are the most common. Animals of this species do not require special care, they have a mouth in the form of a hairstyle, which is why they are also called aquarium catfish.

Not everyone knows how long aquarium catfish live. Representatives of this species live an average of 7 years and are distinguished by unusual and extraordinary behavior.

The aquarium sucker catfish is a peaceful bottom dweller, compatible with many fish. These animals are phytophages and feed on plant foods.

Representatives of this species are Ancistrus stellata, Ancistrus vulgaris, and Ancistrus dark.

- representatives of the armored catfish family. These animals are not afraid of predators, since their entire body is covered with bony plates. These peaceful fish are long-lived, as they can live more than 10 years. They are unpretentious in food and can eat any food.

Corridors

Corydoras are small fish with a calm character and beautiful color. They live 8-10 years, prefer aquariums with sandy soil.

The most striking representative of the group is the speckled catfish. They live in schools and are compatible with almost any type of fish.

Another representative is somewhat reminiscent of bears, a schooling fish. A large aquarium is not required to maintain it.

Catfish platidoras

This representative is very popular among aquarists. A very beautiful catfish with an unusual striped color will fit into any multi-species aquarium. Platidoras striped is unpretentious and tolerates harsh environmental conditions.
The varieties of aquarium catfish are numerous and varied. Everyone will be able to choose the best option for their aquarium.

Content Features

The issue of care and maintenance should be carefully considered before purchasing a catfish. Although these representatives of the fauna do not require special care, you should still prepare in advance.

Important! You should take care of through shelters for your pets, since catfish are not able to turn around inside and get out. The number of such grottoes should be equal to the number of catfish, possibly more.

1. Catfish are unpretentious in terms of water quality, but still some points should not be ignored. The temperature should be maintained within 22-26 degrees, try to maintain neutral acidity and water hardness in the range of 6-12.
2. In an aquarium with catfish, you must install a compressor that will saturate the liquid with oxygen. But small fish are able to breathe atmospheric air; in this regard, you need to ensure that access to it is always provided. Therefore, plants should not cover the entire surface.
3. Catfish are unpretentious when it comes to food. They will happily eat both animal and plant foods, but prefer bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Not averse to eating young shoots of plants.

Compatibility with other fish

The catfish family of aquarium fish is characterized by a peaceful disposition for the most part. They try not to get into fights with other inhabitants of the aquarium, but fights still happen among themselves.

We can talk about the compatibility of catfish with other fish only in each specific case. Calm, herbivorous species need to be accompanied by non-aggressive neighbors. But larger fish should be added to the predatory individuals, which will not allow themselves to be offended.

Reproduction

To breed catfish, you do not need to create special conditions. Everything goes smoothly, without problems. If there are no one among the inhabitants of the aquarium except catfish, then there is no need to put them in a separate vessel for the breeding season.

As a rule, 3 partners are left for 1 female. It is desirable that in the place where spawning will take place, the soil is soft and algae is found in abundance.

In order to encourage your wards to reproduce, it is necessary to change the water temperature in the aquarium for several days in the range of 17-25 degrees.

Spawning usually occurs early in the morning. After the eggs are laid, natural light can be left. Already a week after spawning, the female will be ready for a new spawning. From the eggs appear enough large fry, which are developing very quickly. You can feed them with special food or chopped tubifex.

Diseases

Like any representative of fauna, catfish can get sick. If this is detected, then first of all it is necessary to establish the cause of the disease.

First of all, the disease can be triggered by a violation of the conditions of detention. In this case, it will be possible to get rid of the problem after improving conditions for the fish. Every week you need to change the water in the aquarium and clean it. It is important to observe the temperature regime.

If everything is normal with the conditions of detention, this may mean that the disease came from outside, perhaps with new fish, plants or food. In this case, you cannot do without drug treatment.

Important! Aquarium catfish cannot tolerate salt treatment; the fish will die from such treatments. Copper preparations are also poorly tolerated.

If these are already used, then you should refrain from using the full dose. For a mustachioed pet, the critical dose is 0.25 mg/l.

Prevention of diseases of aquarium catfish is quite simple. It is necessary to fulfill all the conditions for the maintenance and care of these animals, quarantine new, newly arrived fish and feed the pets correctly.

Catfish are the most common inhabitants of aquariums. Spending most of their life at the bottom, they revitalize the benthic zone. These amazing and unusual fish prefer a nocturnal lifestyle. But they can also be active during the daytime. Aquarium catfish are a unique opportunity not only to decorate your aquarium with original and beautiful specimens, but also with their help to carry out sanitary cleaning of the tank.

Video about Ancistrus catfish

All types of aquarium catfish, of which there are a huge number in nature, are surprisingly similar in appearance. More than 1,200 thousand different waterfowl variations of this species live in aquariums alone.

Otherwise, these fish are called cleaners, because they eat the remains of half-eaten, rotting food lying on the bottom.

And many amateurs purchase such “orderlies” precisely because of their accuracy. You can buy such curious specimens at any pet store.

When buying a catfish, you should keep in mind that you will not constantly admire its cute face.

Many of them are nocturnal and during the day they hide behind snags and in other shelters. The only exception is.

Also, catfish generally have a protective coloring and completely blend in with the surrounding soil.
Many fish in this group grow to very large sizes and are predators.

Therefore, aquarists sometimes miss the small inhabitants of the aquarium: or.

The aquarium should be filled with settled and acidified water at a temperature of 20-25°C.

For good growth and reproduction of algae, bright lighting is provided to the pond. For catfish, such light is an irritant, so they hide in the recesses of the sandy bottom, in snags and decorative decorations. Nature has endowed ancistrus with strong fins, but deprived it of a swim bladder. For this reason

aquarium catfish

- Sticky fish cannot stay in the water column for a long time, like other fish.

They move spasmodically, right along the glass of a home pond. With good care, shellfish live 6-7 years.

Ancistrus catfish look like small flattened torpedoes with chain mail war paint, onto which geometrically shaped bone plates are glued on top. The aquarium fins are decorated with 7 luxurious fins: two pectoral, a pair of abdominal, a large dorsal, anal and adipose. On the elongated lips of the round mouth there are large horn-like suckers, with the help of which the fish stick to snags and feed on green algae. Small eyes gleam on their impressively sized heads. Speckled catfish Photo can be enlarged

Or the common catfish - this is one of the oldest inhabitants

freshwater aquariums

The optimal conditions for keeping speckled catfish are as follows: temperature - 20-25 ° C, pH - 6.0-7.5, water hardness up to 20 °. Catfish do not like water temperatures that are too high. You need to install a good filter in the aquarium, and change about 30% of the water to fresh water every week. Catfish love to live in a flock, so it is better to have several pairs at once, this will make them much more comfortable.

It’s better to choose something small and not sharp, because this fish loves to dig for it. In addition, the soil layer must be of decent thickness.

Speckled catfish also like to lie in the shade of plants, so don't forget about that.

, or are perfect for these creatures. It’s also a good idea to decorate your aquarium with driftwood and stones - this will improve the design of your small aquatic world and the inhabitants will be more comfortable. It should also be added that the speckled catfish is a rather clumsy fish and therefore there should be no places in the aquarium where the fish can get stuck.

Breeding speckled catfish is also not very difficult and is accessible even to novice aquarists. Perhaps beginners should even try their hand at these fish, because there is nothing difficult about it. An aquarium of ten liters or more is suitable for spawning.

Spawning of speckled catfish begins when several conditions are met, namely: a decrease in water temperature, increased aeration and regular water changes. The soil in the spawning area is not necessary; it is enough to press down any plant with a medium-sized stone. Usually one female and two or three males are released for spawning. Producers are placed in the aquarium in the evening, spawning itself occurs in the morning.

It is advisable to place the aquarium so that the rays of the sun fall on it, then reproduction will occur with the sunrise.

The fry are quite large, feeding them is not difficult, and they are as unpretentious as adults. Any food for fry or finely ground food for adult fish will do. With normal nutrition and housing conditions, by a month the fry reach a centimeter length.

The abdomen is rounded. Males are generally smaller but slimmer than females.

The pectoral fins of the fish are very developed. The front ray of the catfish is covered with small spines and ends with a sharp hook. There are three pairs of antennae. Two pairs are located on the lower jaw: two central ones 2-3 cm long and two outer ones 4-5 cm long. On the upper jaw there is one pair of antennae up to 7-8 cm long. The body is covered with longitudinal yellow and brown lines. Young individuals tend to be brighter in color than older ones.

The first year of life of catfish can be observed throughout the day. There are cases when the platidor floats to the surface, turns over with its belly up and thus collects food from the water surface. But with age, fish begin to lead a more secretive nocturnal lifestyle, becoming more active only late in the evening. If there is a lack of food, they eat smaller fish.

It is better to catch catfish using a jar or vessel, as they can very easily become entangled in the net due to the rather sharp rays of the fins. When fishing, you should be careful, as the sting from their spines is painful.

They are omnivores, so they are not picky about food. In nature, they feed on mollusks, crustaceans, and various aquatic insects. For aquarium catfish, food should contain a lot of protein.

About 20-30% of the diet should be plant foods. Earthworms are suitable as food. Since these fish feed from the bottom, you should give them sinking granules or tablets.

Sexual maturity and the ability to reproduce occurs at the age of one year. The spawning tank must have a volume of 100 liters or more. Aeration, filtration and creation of water flow are required. Water for dilution: GH up to 6°; pH 6.5-7.0; t 27-29 °C. Carbonate hardness is minimal. As a rule, the spawning process is activated by the injection of gonadotropic hormones. Catfish can build a small nest (3 to 10 cm in diameter) from pieces of plants. After this, they lay eggs and attach them to the substrate. You can use synthetic threads and small-leaved aquatic plants.

Spawning of speckled catfish begins when several conditions are met, namely: a decrease in water temperature, increased aeration and regular water changes. The soil in the spawning area is not necessary; it is enough to press down any plant with a medium-sized stone. Usually one female and two or three males are released for spawning. Producers are placed in the aquarium in the evening, spawning itself occurs in the morning.

The female lays up to 300 eggs. After spawning, the catfish are removed. The eggs develop within 2.5-3 days. Juveniles begin to swim at 5-6 days. Fry should be fed with live dust and microworms.

At home, the Tarakatum catfish grows to a decent size - 14-16 centimeters, and combined with restlessness, this produces a very funny impression. Many breeders kindly compare these cute catfish with cockroaches, because similar name. Their resemblance to insects is also given by their long, spectacular antennae, restless nature and ability to survive in any “aquarium” conditions.

The aquarium catfish has a large elongated body, covered with strong bone plates, a high back and a straight abdomen. The main feature of these fish is the movable antennae on the wide head: long on the upper jaw and shorter on the lower jaw. Males, as is usually the case with fish, are slimmer and smaller; they can be recognized by the long ray of the pectoral fin, usually of a reddish hue.

The wide distribution area also provided a noticeable difference in the color of the fish. If you want to know what a cockroach looks like, the photos will show cute hulks with the same long antennae, but completely different color

. Most often you can find a dark, almost black color, with light streaks throughout the body. There are spotted and striped “aquarium cockroaches”, also known as “tiger” and “leopard”. Such catfish have a light gray, greenish or pink body color, with darker spots scattered throughout. Aquarium fish

cockroaches are ideal for inexperienced owners: they are friendly, unpretentious and quickly get used to new conditions. The main and basic requirement for your mustachioed aquatic pets is a large aquarium, at least 100 liters (or more). The soil is better sandy or small rocky - playful catfish love to rummage in the ground for a long time, and sharp stones can injure their antennae or head. Tarakatums prefer to frolic at night, but quickly get used to it and can be active at any time of the day. These are sociable animals, so it’s worth keeping a small flock of catfish at home to constantly admire their games. A particularly beautiful sight is aquarium cockroaches on vacation - large fish naturally lay side by side on the bottom and resemble a group fur seals

In the wild, reproduction in cockroach fish occurs like this: the catfish select a flat leaf of a plant that floats on the surface, and the male builds a foam nest under it, where the female lays her eggs. In a home aquarium, such a sheet successfully replaces a piece of foam plastic 15 by 7 centimeters and about 2 centimeters thick, which is attached to the corner with suction cups. If you have 3-4 pairs of cockroaches or one male for several females, there should be 1-2 more pieces of foam than required - this will help to avoid a fight for space.

Breeding cockroaches begins with preparing the aquarium - the temperature is slightly increased, and the water is changed more often. After the female lays eggs, the male and the foam nest are placed in the spawning area (if the female is not removed, the male cockroach himself will begin to drive her away from the eggs).

After 4-5 days, the fry appear; you can feed them with brine shrimp, small tubifex, and it is better to keep them in low light.

Spawning of speckled catfish begins when several conditions are met, namely: a decrease in water temperature, increased aeration and regular water changes. The soil in the spawning area is not necessary; it is enough to press down any plant with a medium-sized stone. Usually one female and two or three males are released for spawning. Producers are placed in the aquarium in the evening, spawning itself occurs in the morning.

Catfish panda Panda catfish are peaceful schooling fish

, living in the rivers Paquitea, Rio Paciteo, Ucayali, flowing in South America. In aquarium conditions, these catfish can live with any non-aggressive fish, even larger ones. The neighbors in the pond do not seem to notice the pandas, and they, in turn, also do not show any interest in them. That is why teenage pandas can be placed in a community aquarium as early as 2 months of age.

Corydoras pandas have additional intestinal respiration, which is why they sometimes swim to the surface of the water and swallow air, after which they calmly swim to the bottom again. It is at the bottom that pandas spend most of their time.

It should be noted that these catfish are not “orderlies” of the aquarium; they do not eat leftover food from other fish. Panda catfish eat live, frozen food, flakes, and catfish tablets. Food is taken mainly from the bottom. Breeders of these catfish believe that if the juveniles of these fish are not given live food, namely well-washed tubifex, then the catfish turn out to be tight and small. By the way, the length of an adult healthy panda catfish should be about 5-5.5 cm.

The optimal water temperature for keeping these catfish is 22-26℃; pH 5.8-7.5;

hardness 5-16°. Filtration, aeration and weekly water changes are required.

Spawning of speckled catfish begins when several conditions are met, namely: a decrease in water temperature, increased aeration and regular water changes. The soil in the spawning area is not necessary; it is enough to press down any plant with a medium-sized stone. Usually one female and two or three males are released for spawning. Producers are placed in the aquarium in the evening, spawning itself occurs in the morning.

The glass catfish gets its name from its transparent body. You can see through the skeleton of the fish the background aquarium The body is elongated and laterally compressed. Both the skeleton and swim bladder are clearly visible. The remaining internal organs are located in the front of the body and are not visible. Depending on the light, the body may acquire blue tints. Like all catfish, the fish has a pair of antennae on its upper jaw.

Glass catfish is a small fish and in an aquarium reaches up to 10 cm in length, so it can be content with a relatively small volume of water. For a school of fish of six individuals, an aquarium of about 80 liters is suitable. Keeping a smaller number of fish is not recommended, as the fish become shy and lose their appetite due to stress.

The glass catfish aquarium needs to be planted big amount living plants.

Catfish swim in the middle layers of water, and unlike other relatives, they do not hide in shelters. Fish love shaded areas, so it is advisable to place floating plants in the aquarium. Lighting should be dim as bright light can cause unnecessary stress for the fish.

As for water parameters, glass catfish are very sensitive to water purity, so you need to take care of good filtration in the aquarium. Aeration is also desirable. The optimal water parameters are: acidity 6.5-7.5 pH, hardness 4-15° dH, temperature 23-26ºC. It is better to change water weekly, approximately 20-30% of the total volume.

For feeding, you can use live food and some high-quality dry food. The diet should be varied. These aquarium catfish have a peaceful character, so you can choose calm small fish for company.

To breed glass catfish at home, first lower the water temperature by several degrees and the water level in the aquarium to half. After this, soft water is added every day in small portions. To stimulate spawning, fish are fed large amounts of live food before spawning. After spawning, the producers are removed from the aquarium. If it was possible to stimulate spawning, the female will spawn eggs on the plants. Imitating the rainy season will also help the eggs develop. The starting food for fry is encapsulated brine shrimp.

Spawning of speckled catfish begins when several conditions are met, namely: a decrease in water temperature, increased aeration and regular water changes. The soil in the spawning area is not necessary; it is enough to press down any plant with a medium-sized stone. Usually one female and two or three males are released for spawning. Producers are placed in the aquarium in the evening, spawning itself occurs in the morning.

The shifter catfish belongs to the fringed catfish. It has a characteristic body, almost triangular in cross-section, a semicircular mouth and powerful spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins.

It has three pairs of antennae, two of which are feathery, as if fringed.

In nature, this catfish feeds mainly on insects (that have fallen on the surface of the water), but has a lower mouth, so it often has to swim upside down to collect food from the surface of the water. Hence the name - catfish changeling.

In an aquarium, it is better to feed the changeling live, and only sometimes with dry balanced food. Catfish will collect food from both the surface and the bottom. In summer you can feed various small insects.

Fish are prone to obesity; leave them without food one day a week.

During the day, the catfish mainly hides among snags, in various caves; at night it begins to become active, looking for food. Large aquariums with various shelters, snags, grottoes, and plants are suitable for keeping catfish shifters. Water temperature +22-+27 ºС. Aeration, filtration and water changes of 1/3 volume weekly are required.

Spawning of speckled catfish begins when several conditions are met, namely: a decrease in water temperature, increased aeration and regular water changes. The soil in the spawning area is not necessary; it is enough to press down any plant with a medium-sized stone. Usually one female and two or three males are released for spawning. Producers are placed in the aquarium in the evening, spawning itself occurs in the morning.

Synodontis changeling is a schooling fish, this must be taken into account. But the most important thing that needs to be taken into account when purchasing these fish is that many of them (or rather, the majority) are active predators and they will not swim peacefully next to their small neighbors, they will certainly devour them. It is better to keep them with cichlids or similar large fish.

Sacbranch catfish

Under natural conditions, this catfish is widespread in Asian countries - Iran and Pakistan, India and Nepal, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Catfish prefers large and small reservoirs with stagnant water, muddy channels with weak currents, and is occasionally found in brackish water.

A feature of home keeping is the fact that the catfish acquires body length in accordance with the size of the aquarium. For example, in a 200-liter jar it can grow up to 35-40 cm. In a small volume, the length of the fish will be shorter. You need to create shelters in the aquarium - grottoes and caves, driftwood, fragments of ceramic pipes or inverted clay pots with a side hole. But the bottom of the artificial reservoir should not be cluttered - at night, when the owners are sleeping, the catfish actively swims and hunts.

The predator is unpretentious in food. It can be fed frozen dry food, worms, meat, fish fillets, and shrimp. Commercial feeds include Neon BloodWorms, Sera Viformo, Tetra PlekoMin, Tetra TabiMin and some others. Under optimal conditions, catfish can live in an aquarium for up to 20 years.

Asian catfish become sexually mature at the age of 2 years. Under natural conditions they spawn during rainy periods. In artificial home reservoirs, spawning is induced by injection of a special drug - gonadotropin.

Shark catfish

Spawning of speckled catfish begins when several conditions are met, namely: a decrease in water temperature, increased aeration and regular water changes. The soil in the spawning area is not necessary; it is enough to press down any plant with a medium-sized stone. Usually one female and two or three males are released for spawning. Producers are placed in the aquarium in the evening, spawning itself occurs in the morning.

In nature, the shark catfish is quite impressive in size: it reaches a length of more than 1 meter, and in aquariums it grows up to 50-70 cm. If you watch a video with a shark catfish, you will see how similar this fish really is to a real large predator.

The homeland of this fish is the lakes and rivers of Vietnam. Initially, aquarists were not interested in it, but in the food industry the shark catfish Siamese pangasius played a big role, and not by chance - the fact is that the catfish is capable of gaining up to 40 kg in a short period of time. However, later aquarists paid close attention to the beauty and unusualness of this fish.

When these aquarium fish are still young, their body is colored silver-gray and has discreet dark longitudinal stripes. Over time, the color of the fish becomes monochromatic. Two pairs of long whiskers still make it possible to distinguish this fish from little shark, big eyes located on the sides of the head. Females are slightly larger than males, and their color is paler.

Shark catfish are not only large, they are also very active fish, and mainly like to be in the middle layers of water. Therefore, the optimal tanks for them are aquariums of at least 400 liters, elongated in length. The aquarium should have a lot of space, free from decorations, provided for the free swimming of its inhabitants. Adult fish can only be kept in huge public aquariums with a volume of several thousand liters. While catfish are still young, they can live in aquariums as long as 1.2 m, but keep in mind that freshwater sharks grow very quickly, so they will soon need new house. All decorations with sharp edges must be removed from the aquarium, since this species tends to make sudden lunges, as a result of which the freshwater shark can damage the skin.

It is worth saying that freshwater sharks eat quite a lot. However, they only grab the food that is in the water column next to them. Therefore, in order to maintain cleanliness in the aquarium, it is advisable to have fish that will pick up food particles from the bottom - then there will be much less pollution in the aqua. Freshwater sharks should be fed in the evening.

It happens that they refuse to eat if there is too much light in the room - in this case, the lighting should be reduced. The optimal water parameters for keeping shark catfish are the following: temperature - 22-27 °C, hardness - dH 2-20, acidity - pH 6.5 - 7.5. It is necessary to change a third of the water volume every week. In addition, organize powerful filtration and aeration of the water, since in old water the fish will feel uncomfortable and may even get sick. It is especially worthwhile to ensure that the level of nitrites, ammonia and nitrates remains low, and other components of great importance