Common catfish, speckled, corridor - all these names refer to representatives of the callicht family, or armored catfish. This species inhabits freshwater reservoirs with dense vegetation in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and other countries. South America. Many of the representatives of the Corydoras species have taken a strong place among experienced aquarists and amateurs due to their interesting behavior, peculiar appearance and unique coloring.

It is not possible to list in one article all representatives of catfish-corridors, therefore, we focus only on those who conquered great popularity among aquarists.

Venezuelan (lat. Corydoras aeneus var. venezuelanus orange)

Size: up to 5 cm. Water for keeping this type of catfish should be soft with low acidity, with a constant temperature of 25 to 27 ° C. To get the maximum saturation of the color of the fish, most of the aquarium must be densely planted with plants.

Catfish avoid open space and do not like bright lighting, as well as increased attention, and hide, so it is better to feed them at dusk, in the evening.

When the water changes with a decrease in temperature, spawning is stimulated. Each female lays 30-40 eggs, which hatch after four days and after another three days the fry can be fed.

Venezuelan Corridor.

Golden (lat. Corydoras aeneus)

Size: up to 6 cm. The content of this species should occur in soft water (up to 10 parts of calcium oxide) at a temperature range of 23 to 25°C.

Very mobile and active during the day, unpretentious to the quality of water and getting along well with its neighbors armored catfish.

Easily breeds in the general aquarium. Spawning often occurs at night. The female is very productive and lays up to 500 eggs, from which the larvae emerge in three days. After another three days, the fry can be transferred to feeding with cultivated microorganisms. known various options the color of these catfish and it has not yet been determined whether they can be classified as a type of golden corridor.

Golden corridor.

Axelrod (lat. Corydoras axelrodi)

Size: up to 5 cm. They feel most comfortable in soft water with a temperature of 24 to 26 ° C. Axelrod's catfish is well known and common among aquarists. Care is not difficult, acclimatized catfish spend days in search of food, to which special requirements No.

With abundant and regular feeding, females quickly leave for spawning. The number of eggs in a clutch is about 40, but cases of spawning up to 100 eggs are known. Caviar is small, 1.5 mm in diameter, attached by the female to the underside of plant leaves. The release of the fry from the eggs occurs after four days, and after three days of its formation, feeding with brine shrimp is recommended.

Axelrod's corridor.

Spotted-tailed (lat. Corydoras caudimaculatus)

Size: up to 6 cm. The recommended water temperature for spotted catfish is from 20 to 26°C. A catfish that prefers soft clear water with low acidity, as well as without nitrates and a weekly change of up to 30% of the total volume of the aquarium.

With a varied diet, they spawn very willingly and regularly without lowering the water temperature. Caviar, about 2 mm in size, matures for three days, after which the larvae emerge, which feed on the yolk sac for three days, and after another two days they successfully cope with the planktonic organism - ciliates. The growth of this species is most noticeable in the first two months after hatching, and when a size of 2 cm is reached, the growth rate slows down.

Gossi (lat. Corydoras gossei)

Size: up to 6 cm. For keeping this type of catfish, soft water with a temperature of 24 to 26 ° C is preferable. After mastering a permanent habitat, it is not too whimsical in content, so it is suitable even for not very experienced aquarists. In darkened aquariums big amount plants acquires a contrasting color, which is inherent even in fry.

Female gossi catfish are very productive and, depending on size, age and condition, can lay from 80 to 300 eggs. Three days after maturation, larvae emerge from the eggs, which, after two days of adaptation, successfully eat Artemia nauplii and enchyteria worms.

Gossi corridor.

Diagonal striped (lat. Corydoras melini)

Size: up to 6 cm. Its content should occur in soft water, the temperature of which is in the range from 20 to 26 ° C. The soil should be sandy, coarse sand or fine stone without sharp edges.

When breeding, it is recommended to transplant into a separate aquarium, where the female scatters eggs all over the bottom. The larvae emerge after two days, and after they have absorbed the yolk sac (three days), it is best to feed the fry with brine shrimp nauplii.

Diagonal corridor.

Napo (lat. Corydoras napoensis)

Size: up to 5 cm. The water temperature for maintenance should be between 23 and 25 ° C with a calcium content of up to 10% (soft).

A distinctive feature of this species is the manifestation of a clear and complete color in a darkened aquarium with plants floating on the surface of the water. Unlike other representatives of the corridors with a similar color, napo have black spots on the caudal fin.

These catfish should not be kept with large fish of other species. Spawning takes place in free water, in close proximity to the surface. During the mating season, the sides of the males are cast in purple.

Females lay up to 300 eggs 1 mm in size in plant bushes and near them. Caviar maturation takes four days, after three days after the release of the larvae, the fry are ready to eat microscopic worms and ciliates. The growth rate of catfish napo is very slow.

Napo corridor.

Speckled (lat. Corydoras paleatus)

Size: up to 6 cm. For comfortable keeping, the water should be soft, with a temperature of 22 to 26 ° C. Speckled catfish leads active image life during the day and can be kept with most species of peaceful fish.

Cool water is suitable for reproduction (in warm water, the rate of fertilization sharply decreases). The female lays up to 250 eggs, from which larvae emerge after four days, and after another two days the fry begin to feed on their own, preferring brine shrimp nauplii in the feed. A fast growth rate after 2-3 months gives a high similarity with the parents.

Mottled corridor.

Panda (lat. Corydoras panda)

Size: up to 5 cm. Soft water with a temperature of 22 to 25 ° C provides this species with good health and active behavior in the aquarium. Panda catfish need good aeration, filtration and regular water changes, as well as hiding places and a few shaded areas with plants. Pandas have shown the possibility of keeping them with various small tetras and dwarf cichlids.

Reproduction in panda catfish is all-season. The female lays up to 20 eggs in small-pinnate plants or Javanese moss. After four days, larvae appear, which begin to feed on brine shrimp nauplii after another two days. This type of representatives of the corridor is characterized by a very slow growth rate.

For its interesting color and behavior, the panda catfish has firmly established itself among aquarists and has become very widespread.

Panda corridor.

Sterba (lat. Corydoras sterbai)

Size: up to 6 cm. A heat-loving species of catfish that prefers clear water (soft with low acidity) and temperature regime water from 24 to 28°C. Good aeration is essential for the successful maintenance of Sterba catfish. A carefully designed diet is essential for the Sterba corridor. This species does not tolerate starvation, so it needs to be fed frequently and in a timely manner.

Large females of this species can lay up to 200 eggs, attaching them, if possible, to the substrate located on the current. After four days of maturation, the eggs hatch into larvae, which on the third day are already free to move around the aquarium and eat starter feed.

It should be noted that the fry are very sensitive to an increase in pH, therefore, the purity and constancy of the composition of the water in the first three weeks will ensure good survival of the young. At the age of one month, the fry become more hardy and less demanding on water, and their further maintenance does not present serious problems.

Sterba corridor.

Corridors: care and maintenance

The presented types of corridors should be grouped in 5-20 pieces. The size of the species aquarium for catfish should be at least 54 liters, while keeping the same flock in the general aquarium, the volume should be at least 160 liters, with the exception of panda catfish, which need a smaller volume of the general aquarium - 112 liters.

Females are distinguished by their larger size and wider back. And only two species have other, more pronounced differences - the males of the corridor are smaller than the females and have a clearer pattern, and the males of the speckled catfish are much smaller and more elegant.

The diet for all the presented types of corridors is recommended to be dry, frozen and.

Like labyrinths, corridors can also breathe atmospheric air. They do not have a labyrinth apparatus, so catfish swim to the surface of the water, swallow an air bubble and absorb oxygen through the gastrointestinal tract.

Corydoras do not tolerate salt water well, therefore, it is not recommended to use salt with them for the treatment and prevention of diseases in an aquarium.

Although some species have slight differences in the spawning process, in general it is the same. The stimulus is an increase in protein feed in the diet, a decrease in temperature and frequent water changes. Spawning is usually group, males begin to drive females, and they, in turn, choose a male, collect his milk in their mouths, and lay eggs in special pockets on their fins. After that, she chooses the most attractive surface for laying, lubricates it with the milk of the male and lays eggs on it.

Parents do not care about the offspring and may even pose a danger to him, so adult fish are removed from the spawning ground after breeding. If spawning took place in a common aquarium, then the eggs are carefully removed from the surfaces or removed with a blade if the eggs are stuck to the glass.

Dwarf, or the smallest catfish

The most popular among dwarf catfish are:

  • sparrow catfish (eye-tailed catfish, sickle-shaped carapace);
  • pygmy catfish;
  • catfish habrosus (corridor crumb).

These representatives are types of armored corridors found in South America.

It is better to keep the smallest catfish in flocks of 10-30 pieces, the volume of the species aquarium is 40 liters, and the total is 54 liters, while good aeration and water filtration should be ensured.

When creating an aquarium interior, you need to plant an abundant amount of plants, add shelters and driftwood. Fine-grained stones without sharp edges, coarse-grained sand can be used as soil.

Variety with veiled fins.

Pygmy catfish (lat. Corydoras pygmaeus)

The maximum size of a catfish reaches 3 cm. This type of corridor prefers the middle layers of soft water with a temperature of 20 to 26°C. With the pygmy corridor it is possible to keep many small species of tetras and other types of small fish. In a constant diet, it is better to add medium-sized or finely chopped live or frozen food.

Reproduction in a species tank with abundant plants is most effective. One female lays up to 50 very small eggs, which are scattered throughout the aquarium. The maturation period lasts four days, after which larvae appear, which feed on the yolk sac for the first three days, and then the fry successfully eat ciliates or brine shrimp larvae.

The development of young individuals occurs in the first three weeks at a very fast pace, after which it stops, and then they grow slowly. Pygmy catfish fry are strikingly different from adults.

Pygmy corridor.

Catfish habrosus (lat. Corydoras habrosus)

The size of this species reaches 3 cm. Habrosus catfish prefers bottom layers of soft and medium-soft slightly acidic water with a temperature of 20 to 26 ° C and a weekly change of up to 30%.

The difference between the female and the male lies in her larger size and greater width of the back.

Habrosus are peaceful and many calm fish with the same character and small size will approach them as neighbors.

Habrosus catfish are fed from the bottom, they prefer fresh or frozen food, it is allowed to feed them with dry food and spirulina tablets.

When breeding, the female lays up to 100 eggs in small bushy plants, Javanese moss and next to them. The larvae hatch after three days, the fry after two days begin to move freely around the aquarium and eat brine shrimp. After six weeks, young habrosus begin to acquire an adult color. The growth rate in the first two months is fast, and at this age their size reaches 1 cm, and then slows down. Sexual maturity occurs at 10-12 months.

Sparrow catfish (lat. Corydoras hastatus)

The size of this species does not exceed 3 cm. For a comfortable maintenance of sparrow catfish in an aquarium, soft clean water with a temperature of 20 to 26 ° C, with good aeration and filtration is required.

The female differs from the male in larger size. By their nature, they are peaceful and get along well with fish similar in temperament and size. In nutrition, they are not picky and use live, frozen and dry food, as well as various substitutes.

Before spawning, the difference between the male and the female is obvious: the tummy is more curved and full, the dorsal fin of the female is rounded, and that of the male is pointed. During spawning, the female lays up to 80 eggs on glass, the underside of plant leaves, or another suitable place. The maturation period of eggs lasts four days, after which larvae appear, which after two days begin to move independently around the aquarium and can successfully eat aquarium plankton (brine shrimp, etc.).

During the first month of life, the growth rate of the fry is fast (the size reaches up to 1 cm), and then decreases. By the age of one year, they reach the size of their parents and sexual maturity.

And quite a few videos about speckled catfish and the rules for its maintenance:

Catfish act as a natural filter, as they feed on the waste products of other inhabitants. The variety of species is amazing. There are 1500 species: spotted, horned, brindle, black, red-tailed fractocephalus, marble talking catfish and others ranging in size from 2 cm to 5 m. Catfish are classified as predatory fish that prefer to live at the bottom of the reservoir.

All types of aquarium catfish are so similar to each other that a beginner and even an amateur will not immediately determine which species is in front of him. These neat “orderlies” of the aquarium have a lamellar cover instead of scales. To feed the sucker mouth, with which they clean the aquarium to crystal clear. They prefer nocturnal lifestyle. Demand for catfish is high today. Among the advantages are:

  • peacefulness;
  • unpretentiousness to water temperature;
  • tolerate the effects of hard water;
  • feel comfortable in water with an average level of acidity.

They have intestinal respiration. Catfish rises to the surface, swallows air, and then processes it into oxygen. The ideal conditions for their maintenance are the presence of vegetation. They like to hide in snags, pipes, find secluded places.

Aquarium catfish - names and description

We present to your attention several types of catfish.

Ancistrus

The most common breed at the moment. Aquarists call them differently: cleaners, stickers. In captivity, these catfish live up to 7 years. Small adult size, 10 cm long. Compatible with most fish, they will definitely not attack. Their worst enemy is the cichlid. She gnaws at the fin of a catfish.

Ancistrus will do well at temperatures from 20 to 28 C, pH 6-7.3, dH less than 10.

This species of catfish feeds on algal formations on the walls of the aquarium, snags, and plants. It is necessary to supplement the food with special tablets that are sold in pet stores. During the breeding season, it is necessary to change the water more often and feed more intensively. Be sure to have a long stump where the female will spawn.

Tarakatum

This fish is resistant to cohabitation with predators in the same aquarium. They simply can't bite through her defenses. It gets along well with fish that live in similar conditions, for example, gourami. An adult is at least 18 cm long. They live comfortably in aquariums with dense vegetation, snags, small grottoes where they can hide. Optimum temperature water for them is from 22 to 28 C, pH 5.8-7.5 dH no more than 25.

For spawning, it is recommended to place the pair in a separate aquarium with floating plants. Here the male will build a nest, and in the future will protect the eggs. A week after laying, fry will begin to appear. They will need to be fed small fractions of live food. Change at least 50% of the water per day.

corridors

A real long-liver - some individuals live up to 15 years. For such fish, an aquarium with a sandy bottom, the presence of grottoes for relaxation is recommended. It is better to settle a flock for greater comfort. They get along well with other species, but not with labeo, ancistrus and modest botia. They can eat almost any food. The optimum temperature is 24-25 C, pH 7-8 and dH less than 4.

For breeding, a couple is chosen and settled in a spawning aquarium, with a decrease in temperature to 18 C. After laying, the female must be resettled, in the future, the male monitors and cares for the offspring. After 6 days, larvae appear, feeding on plankton and crushed live food.

Synodontis

Amazing fish that prefer to spend most of their time upside down. It returns to its normal state only during the collection of food. Scientists still cannot explain this feature. In addition, the fish will look beautiful in the aquarium. They live up to 10 years, adults are about 7.5 cm long.

Synodontis prefers vegetation on the bottom and surface of the aquarium, a sandy bottom is recommended, gravel can be replaced. The best temperature is 25 C, pH 6.5-7.5 dH up to 15 C. They do not get along with neighbors who move slowly and are small in size.

These are just the most popular types of catfish for the aquarium. We recommend paying attention to other species: Clarius, Plecostomus, Platidoras, Pangasius, Girinocheilus.

Choosing and arranging an aquarium

The health of its inhabitants depends on the choice of an aquarium. A lot of factors need to be taken into account. Solve a few questions based on information about the types of fish (compatibility) that will live in it. It will be extremely unpleasant to see one prey on the other. For example, a barb is an active fish, it can bully sluggish catfish and gnaw their fins. Peaceful coexistence above all.

Volume

Speaking of catfish, they need a good amount of water. Here is the calculation for 1 individual:

  1. Ancistrus - 40 l.
  2. Tarakatum - 50 l.
  3. Synodontis - 50 liters.
  4. Corydoras are schooling fish. For 4-8 individuals, 60 liters is recommended.

The aquarium creates a significant load on the floor. If the aquarium is tall, it can create excessive pressure on the supporting structures, which will accelerate the wear of the building.

Water

Water characteristics for catfish have already been listed. These are unpretentious fish, but this does not mean that it is worth running an aquarium. Pay attention to the quality of water in spawning tanks. Measure the content of nitrates, nitrates and ammonium, it should be minimal.

Do not forget about aeration and filtration of the aquarium, the fish need to breathe. Devices for enriching water with oxygen and purifying it are inexpensive, but will save a lot of time on replacing water.

Lighting

It is imperative to observe the change of day and night, catfish rest during the day, and at night they come out of their holes and feed. Do not disturb the delicate natural balance of their comfortable life. During spawning and the appearance of the first larvae, darkening is often required.

Light is necessary for plants in an aquarium, do not forget about it. For good development algae requires lighting of at least 0.7 watts per liter.

Plants

Dense planting is acceptable, but leave a small clear area where the catfish will find food. Aquarists use ferns and mosses. These fish sometimes dig up plants, so the latter must have a good root system.

Priming

The best solution is gravel or sand. It is not allowed to have sharp parts about which the catfish can injure the sensitive mouth and antennae. Put pipes, driftwood or a decorative grotto on the bottom to let the fish rest.

How to feed catfish

Catfish are omnivores. They like to pick up food that has fallen to the bottom, waste products of other inhabitants of the aquarium, plant remains, chopped live food. Bloodworm, tubifex, brine shrimp - contain nutrients for these fish. How much feed do you need? If there are a lot of fish in the aquarium, you do not need to feed the catfish. Catfish have enough food leftovers from neighbors. Otherwise, feed three times a week.

Reproduction and breeding

Features of reproduction depend on the specific species. General points: lowering the temperature, a separate aquarium for a couple. The female is resettled after spawning. Corydoras are characterized by group spawning, in which several males and one female participate. Remember that before reaching 10 months, ancistrus change sex.

Catfish are an excellent choice for both the beginner and the experienced aquarist. The fish are unpretentious, get along with most other species and clean the aquarium.

All the inhabitants of the aquarium are in constant relationship and perform a specific role. Aquarium catfish act as filter feeders - water purifiers from the waste products of other inhabitants of the reservoir. The species diversity of the catfish order is generally amazing (more than 1.5 thousand species). Among them, you can meet both small representatives no larger than 2 cm in size, and giant individuals reaching 5 m in length. These fish have no equal. They surprise with their unusual appearance and bizarre shape.

Because the aquarium fish- catfish are mostly predators and prefer a bottom lifestyle, you need to clearly understand what conditions are optimal for them, how to properly equip an aquarium and who can act as their neighbors.

Ancistrus

The most common and popular group of catfish is the Ancistrus genus of the chain catfish family (Loricariidae), with about 30 species. Among aquarists, due to the unusual structure of the mouth, you can also find other names for this group - sucker catfish, sticky, cleaners.

Aquarium catfish Ancistrus have a lot of positive qualities:

They act as "orderlies" of the aquarium;
. unpretentious in care and maintenance;
. have a mouth in the form of a sucker, which distinguishes them from other catfish-like fish;
. distinguished by unusual and outstanding behavior.

For representatives of the genus Ancistrus, the following environmental parameters are allowed:

The temperature indicator of water is 20-28 ° C;
. pH - 6.0-7.3;
. dH - up to 10°;

Ancistrus live an average of 7 years. The size of individuals is relatively small, in length they reach no more than 10 cm.

Aquarium sucker catfish are peaceful bottom dwellers, compatible with many fish. However, it is undesirable to settle them with aggressive cichlids - the enemies of ancistrus, which eat the fins of catfish.

For a pair of such catfish, an 80-liter aquarium is needed. Its bottom should be equipped with special shelters - grottoes, snags, caves or stumps. It is advisable to carry out aeration, filtration and replacement of water with fresh water four times a month.

Aquarium sucker catfish - phytophages. In other words, they eat plant foods. They free the walls of the aquarium and decorative elements from algae. Natural food must be supplemented with special foods, which are available in the form of large tablets that fall to the bottom, as well as vegetation (scalded spinach leaves, cabbage, lettuce, cucumber or pumpkin slices are suitable). Often they gnaw at the snags used to decorate the aquarium.

Reproduction can occur both independently in a common reservoir, and purposefully, in a separate aquarium, where a pair is placed - a female and a male. During spawning provide abundant feeding and frequent water changes to fresh ones. Long tubes or stumps must be installed in the aquarium, on which the female lays eggs. All care for future offspring is taken by the male. Five days after laying, larvae appear from the eggs, which after a while turn into fry. They have a need for food. You can use the same food as for adult fish, only in the form of a fine fraction.

Representatives: Ancistrus dolichopterus (common ancistrus), Ancistrus cirrhosus (dark ancistrus), Ancistrus leucostistus (star ancistrus).

Tarakatum

Often in the aquarium you can find catfish belonging to the genus Hoplosternum, the family Callichthyidae (armored catfish). A prominent representative of the genus are tarakatums (Hoplosternum thoracatum). Due to the bone platinum covering the body, they are not afraid of predatory fish. Tarakatums are peaceful fish, they normally relate to neighbors with similar living conditions, namely:

Temperature regime - within 22-28 ° C;
. pH - from 5.8 to 7.5;
. dH - up to 25°.

Tarakatum aquarium catfish are long-lived, live for more than 10 years. A couple of specimens need a closed aquarium with a volume of at least 100 liters. Better adapt to reservoirs inhabited by aquatic vegetation, equipped with snags, caves, grottoes. The length of an adult fish is from 18 cm.

In relation to food, they are unpretentious. They eat any food, preference is given to living species. They can collect food both from the bottom of the reservoir and from the surface of the water.

Tarakatums are aquarium catfish, the reproduction of which provides for the presence of a male and a female. Pairs of individuals are selected independently. They are placed in a special spawning aquarium equipped with artificial floating plants, under which the male builds a nest. The female lays eggs in it (500-1200 eggs). The functions of protection and care for the offspring are performed by the male. He also closes the nest after laying. After 7 days, larvae appear from the eggs. In search of food, they fall to the bottom. At this time, they can be fed only a small fraction of any live food. For normal growth and the development of fry, it is necessary to change up to half the volume of water in the aquarium daily.

Representatives: Hoplosternum littorale (beige hoplosternum), Hoplosternum thoracatum (tarakatum), Hoplosternum magdaienae (magdalena hoplosternum), Dianema longibarbis (long-whiskered dianema), Dianema urostriata (striped-tailed dianema).

corridors

Representatives of the armored catfish family, the genus Corydoras - aquarium catfish, whose species can often be found in an artificial reservoir, have a beautiful color and calm character. Himself prominent representative speckled corridor (Corydoras paleatus) is considered.

For these fish you will need:

Optimum water temperature - 24-25 ° C;
. pH - from 6.0 to 7.0;
. dH - up to 4°.

The sizes of catfish are relatively small (up to 7 cm in length). Life expectancy is on average 8 to 10 years. Some specimens live up to 15 years.

Prefer aquariums with sandy soil. The bottom should be equipped with stones, snags and caves for fish to rest.

Speckled aquarium catfish live in flocks. Due to their calm, peaceful disposition, they are compatible with almost any type of fish (except for labeo, modest botia, ancistrus). In food, catfish are not picky, they consume any food. The main thing is to use them in the form of tablets falling to the bottom of the aquarium, since corridors cannot capture food from the surface.

For the treatment of individuals of the genus Corydoras, saline solutions cannot be used due to their intolerance by the fish organism.

Reproduction of corridors is paired. The male and female are placed in a spawning aquarium, the temperature of the water in which is lowered to 18 ° C. After laying, the female is returned back. The male is left to care for the offspring. The larvae appear in about 5-6 days. The fry feed on small plankton and crushed live food.

Representatives: Corydoras elegans (elegant catfish), Corydoras paleatus (speckled catfish), Corydoras leopardus (leopard catfish), Corydoras schultzei (golden catfish), Corydoras hastatus (pygmy catfish).

Synodontis

Incredibly amazing fish are fringed catfish (family Mochocidae), namely representatives of the genus Synodontis. The shifting catfish (Synodontis nigriventris) is especially impressive. Scientists all over the world still cannot understand such a phenomenon as a peculiar movement of a fish in an aquarium upside down, as a result of which it got its name. In the normal position, the catfish is only during the collection of food from the bottom.

The size of an adult fish is from 6 to 9.5 cm in length. Usually females are larger than males. Aquarium catfish live up to 10 years on average. They prefer a flocking lifestyle with maximum activity at night.

The aquarium needs to be equipped with various bottom decorative elements (grots, hollow tubes, driftwood, pots without a bottom). It is desirable that aquatic vegetation be present in it, including floating on the surface. Gravel or sand is suitable as soil. The optimal water parameters for synodontis are as follows:

Temperature - 24-26 ° C;
. pH - from 6.5 to 7.5;
. dH - up to 15°.

Neighbors of individuals of the genus Synodontis can be any fish corresponding to them in temperament and size. Small, slow moving species will not get along with them.

Synodontis - aquarium catfish (the photo with the names is presented below) require a fairly large space for normal life, an average of 50 liters of water per individual.

You can feed catfish with any food (vegetable, live, combined). The main thing is not to overeat and not to feed once a week at all, arranging for the fish fasting days. Otherwise, it can lead to metabolic disorders and fat deposition. Such an instance cannot be used for reproduction.

To obtain offspring, special hormonal therapy will be required. The female lays eggs, which are carried by a stream of water throughout the aquarium. After 172 hours, fry appear from the eggs. They negatively perceive light rays, so it is desirable to darken the container during their growth. For primary nutrition, use live dust.

Synodontis - aquarium catfish of their varieties: Synodontis alberti (feathery catfish), Synodontis brichardi (black-striped catfish), Synodontis nigriventris (shift catfish), Synodontis angelicus (star catfish), Synodontis decorus (flag catfish).

Brocade catfish, or brocade pterygoplicht

Among chain catfish, the so-called brocade catfish (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps) deserves attention. It helps keep the aquarium clean by polishing and cleaning the walls with its suction cup mouth.

The optimal water parameters for this species are as follows:

Temperature - 22-30 °C;
. pH - from 6.5 to 8.2;
. dH - up to 20°.

Needs constant filtration, aeration and replacement of half the volume of water with fresh water. Due to its impressive size (up to 60 cm in length), it can only live in large aquariums (200 liters per individual). Be sure to have shelters at the bottom of the reservoir (snags of deciduous origin).

It gets along well with other inhabitants of the aquarium, does not touch anyone. The maximum activity is observed at night. During the day, the fish hides in a shelter. They live like all catfish for a long time (up to 10 years).

Pterygoplicht brocade - aquarium catfish (photo), eating both vegetable and live food (in a percentage of 60/40).

Brocade catfish are bred in special commercial ponds when not caught. The female lays her eggs in a previously dug hole in the ground. The male guards the clutch. Fry should be fed initially crushed live food.

Flathead, or fractocephalus

There are aquarium catfish, the species of which are in an artificially created aquatic environment are rare. These include the flathead (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus), from the genus Phractocephalus, of the flathead catfish family (Pimelodidae). In the natural environment, you can find individuals reaching a length of 1.2 m. In aquariums, it usually grows up to 90-100 cm. It needs a large aquarium (300 l).

Such a catfish has a very attractive color (the belly and back are painted in dark colors, the sides are light). Compatible with large ornamental fish. It leads mainly a bottom nocturnal lifestyle. Needs shelter. According to food preferences, it is omnivorous and very voracious.

The flathead lives in one of the unique underwater museums - the Alushta Aquarium.

Glass catfish, or ghost catfish

There are aquarium catfish, the species of which do not leave indifferent any aquarist. These include glass catfish (Kryptopterus bicirrhis) - a representative of the genus Kryptopterus of the Eurasian catfish family (Siluridae).

Leads a flock of life, so it is better to immediately purchase 6-8 pieces. For one flock, you will need a 100-liter aquarium, equipped as close as possible to the natural environment (a large amount of vegetation, including floating, shaded areas, free space, water flow). This type of fish is very sensitive to water quality, so do not forget about its regular filtration, aeration and replacement.

These catfish aquarium fish (photo above) are extremely timid; peaceful inhabitants of the same size will suit them as neighbors.

Prefer live food, feed in the middle layers of the aquarium. During the day, they do not show much activity, only during feeding. They do not breed in captivity.

Clarias

One more pretty large group aquarium inhabitants are Clarias (genus Clarias) from the family of Clariidae catfish (Clariidae). These are aquarium catfish, the majority of whose species lead a predatory lifestyle. In their neighborhood, they tolerate only large fish or prefer to live alone in species tanks that match their size.

The body length of adults, depending on the species, ranges from 13 to 35 cm. When transplanting catfish, care should be taken due to the presence of thorns on the pectoral fins. Fish injections are very painful, and the mucus that gets into the wound can cause allergies and even tumors.

The most notable is the Angolan clarias (Clarias angolensis). In size, the largest of the genus Clarias (35 cm in length). For maintenance, an aquarium with a volume of 150 liters is required, preferably a closed one. From aquatic vegetation, only algae with a strong root system are allowed. Water must have the following parameters:

Temperature - 23-28 °C;
. pH - from 7.0 to 9.0;
. dH - up to 40°.

Angolan clarias - aquarium catfish (photos with names are presented below). They lead a predatory lifestyle, eating small fish. In addition, they have a bad habit - to drive other inhabitants of the reservoir. You can give mixed food.

For breeding, the female and male are planted in another aquarium. Stones, hollow tubes are necessarily placed at the bottom, shelters are equipped. After laying, the male is removed from the spawning pond. After three days, larvae appear, which on the sixth day turn into fry and begin to feed. Initial feed - crushed combined.

Other representatives: Clarias anguillaris (charmouth), Clarias batrachus (eel-like clarias), Clarias dumerillii (dumerilla), Clarias platycephalus (flat-headed clarias).

Key points to consider when keeping catfish

In order for catfish aquarium fish to live and multiply for a long time, the following basic rules for their maintenance must be taken into account.

Use special filtration and aeration equipment to create a flow of water in the aquarium.
. Ensure proper water quality by replacing ½ of the amount with new water weekly.
. Install decorative elements at the bottom - snags, hollow pipes, pots without a bottom, equipment for grottoes and caves.
. Use food in tablet form as most catfish species are bottom feeders.
. Do not transfer fry to a community tank until they have grown to a larger size.
. Do not forget to decorate an artificial pond with aquatic vegetation, including floating ones.

How to choose and buy aquarium catfish

When buying catfish in an aquarium, you need to consider the following parameters:

Behavior - for a common aquarium, it is advisable to choose peaceful species with a calm disposition, it is better to settle aggressive catfish separately;
. food preferences - predatory catfish should not be chosen for a reservoir where small harmless fish live;
. dimensions - do not forget the fact that some species in the mature state reach up to 150 cm in length;
. fish health - you can’t put fish into a common aquarium without first keeping it in quarantine;
. transportation home - special plastic containers are suitable, since catfish have pincers on the fins that can pierce the oxygen bags used for other fish.

Conclusion

Catfish are representatives of the fauna of almost every aquarium. Spending most of their life at the bottom, they significantly enliven the near-bottom zone. There is no more diverse species of fish in the store than aquarium catfish. The price for them varies depending on the type, size and color and starts from 200 rubles per individual. Aquarium catfish are truly amazing, beautiful and unusual fish. It is a pleasure to watch them, especially at night, when they are most active. Some species are easy to breed in captivity, while others, on the contrary, breed only in a natural ecosystem. In general, whatever you say, this is a wonderful fish - catfish! An excellent orderly and a true decoration of the aquarium.

The catfish family is probably the most diverse, it includes more than 2000 species, different in length, shape, color scheme(striped, golden, black, white, yellow), lifestyle: shapeshifting catfish, brown-speckled black catfish, ancistrus catfish, tarakatums, panda catfish, sucker catfish, channel catfish, sackgill catfish, cuckoo catfish, platidoras catfish, Canadian and American, catfish stuck, glass, corridors, sharks, agamix. Most of the representatives of this family live in fresh water, but they can be found in the sea and ocean. They live on the equator and in temperate latitudes any continent, except for the poles.

Anatomical features

Catfish usually grow from 3 to 15 centimeters, although there are representatives that reach almost 2 meters. One of their main distinguishing features is the antennae. Usually catfish have two to four pairs located on both sides of the mouth. In some species, the antennae are branched, and in some, they have transformed into sucker lips. This is a very sensitive organ of taste, with the help of which the catfish is looking for food, searching the soil at the bottom.

Since in their natural environment catfish usually swim near the bottom, nature has deprived them of scales. Instead, the fish are covered with either thick skin or bony plates. Such a cover makes many catfish clumsy and clumsy. Catfish have spines on their pectoral and dorsal fins, with which they fix themselves in crevices when hiding or just resting. And, of course, spikes are needed for protection. Keep in mind that domestic catfish can be dangerous because of their sharp spikes, so be careful when handling them.

Behavior

As for communication, catfish are quite accommodating fish. They can easily coexist with other inhabitants - provided that they are large enough in size not to be eaten by catfish. Of course, the aquarium must be spacious so that all its inhabitants feel comfortable. But even if you have only catfish living in your aquarium, everyone needs their own corner. It can be equipped with pieces of wood, stones or ready-made purchased houses. So that the fish do not damage their sensitive organs, the bottom in the aquarium is best made from fine sifted sand (but not construction), and not pebbles. And do not forget about the algae, they will serve as both shelter and food for your pets.

Most catfish belong to nocturnal fish. Therefore, if you want to watch your pet, buy a speckled catfish. Speckled catfish is a fish that will sleep at night, and during the day diligently sift the soil at the bottom with the help of its antennae.

"Orders" of the aquarium

You can often hear from pet store sellers that small and large catfish purify the water in the aquarium and the owner does not have to do this. Catfish, combing the soil at the bottom, really pick up everything edible, partially cleaning the pollution. By the way, this does not mean that your pet's nutrition should be left to chance. It is also important to note that natural environment The habitat of these fish is silty water. But this also does not mean that you can not clean the aquarium at all and only occasionally change the water. Enhanced water aeration is really not needed, and clean water and an aquarium are the key to the health of your fish. If other fish live in your area, they simply need cleanliness, and the catfish will quickly get used to it and will not experience any inconvenience.

Features of nutrition: what to feed

In nature, catfish rarely rise to the surface, preferring to swim at the bottom. There are no strong currents and predators, but there is always something to profit from. Therefore, these fish are not adapted to swallow light food from the surface of the water; they need heavy food that they can pick up from the bottom. It can be tableted or flaked, it can also be fresh or frozen. Chopped bloodworm, tubifex, enchitrius will do. By the way, by nature, catfish are predators, therefore they are characterized by predatory feeding - sometimes they also eat small neighbors in the aquarium, such as goops or neon fish.

Reproduction and breeding

The breeding process in catfish is quite simple, and if only fish of this species live in your aquarium, you can not even put them in a separate aquarium. Otherwise, for catfish spawning, it is better to allocate a container with clean water with a capacity of 30 to 50 liters. Usually 3-4 males are left per female. It is highly desirable that the place where spawning takes place has a lot of algae and soft soil. If you want to encourage your pets to breed, you need to change the water temperature within a few days within 17-25 ° C and aerate the aquarium. Spawning usually takes place early in the morning. When the eggs have already been laid, you can leave natural light or darken it a little. A week after spawning, the female will be ready for a new spawning. The fry develop quite quickly and almost immediately they can be fed with finely chopped bloodworms or “dust”.

About two thousand species of catfish inhabit fresh water peace. These are one of the oldest fish on the planet, their fossil remains were found in the deposits of the end Cretaceous(70 million years ago).

One of the main features is the absence of scales, often replaced by bony plates. Catfish lead a bottom nocturnal or twilight lifestyle. There are also predators among them, but most species prefer detritus, plant foods 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. Due to skin 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 intestines and is absorbed into the blood through a dense network of capillaries.

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

The impetus for spawning of callicht catfish is a drop in atmospheric pressure, the addition of soft, chilled five degrees of water and the presence of a substrate for laying eggs. The incubation period is 5-8 days at a temperature of 25 °C. Starting norms are rotifer, microworm, artemia and compound feed.

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

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

In addition to those mentioned, at least three dozen corridors 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.

Thorakatum ( 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, as in the corridors. At the highest point of the back is a fairly large dorsal fin. The color of the catfish is brown-brown, with irregular dark spots. There is a black color option. In males, the anterior ray of the pectoral fin is strongly thickened and turned into a powerful bone spike of orange-bloody color.

Thorakatums build foam nests under floating objects and plant leaves, releasing air bubbles not through their mouths, like labyrinths, but from under the gill covers. In the spawning area, it is easiest to use a foam raft the size of a school notebook. For spawning, the female can sweep up to 1000 eggs. The male is left to guard the nest, but you can transfer the raft with caviar stuck to it into a separate vessel. It is advisable to make a prophylaxis against fungi and add methylene blue or tripaflavin to the water. Two days after hatching, the juveniles begin to take brine shrimp.

Beige hoplosternum ( Hoplosternumlitorale) not inferior in size to the previous species. 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 types of hoplosternums are unpretentious, peaceful fish that love dusk. In aquariums, shelters made of snags and stones, shaded areas of the bottom are desirable. When the content of the water parameters do not play a role. In spawning areas, the addition of soft water and a rise in temperature to 24 ° C are necessary.

Not deprived of the attention of either experienced aquarists or beginners. A distinctive feature of these bottom fish is a strongly elongated or flattened body, completely covered with multifaceted bone 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, numerous outgrowths resembling plant roots appear on their heads - tentacula. In females, they are much less pronounced. The main food of Loricaria catfish is vegetable, but they do not refuse bloodworms, tubifex, fillets sea ​​fish and sinking compound feed.

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

from the waters of Brazil. 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 up in good conditions up to 14 cm. They swim clumsily and reluctantly. They spend most of their time clinging to aquarium glass or plant leaves and scraping off algae. Activated in the dark and with a drop in atmospheric pressure. Ancistrus are quite suitable for the conditions of a common aquarium, to the other inhabitants of which they do not pay the slightest attention.

The female lays 50-100 sticky oblong bright orange eggs resembling small barberry berries. The water in the spawning and rearing aquarium needs slightly acidic, pH = 6.0-6.5, temperature 26 ° C. Malek begins to take food 6-8 days after hatching.

- one of the large family of fish, which is most widely used under the name "red loricaria". The body is elongated, strongly elongated, thin. The length of an adult fish reaches 12 cm. The color is red, of various shades. The male is slimmer, on his pectoral fins he has a brush of villi. Loricaria are absolutely peaceful fish. They lead a modest lifestyle, often hiding in such a way that it is impossible to find them in an aquarium. They take any food from the bottom. Spawning is seasonal - in winter. It flows like an ancistrus. Suitable tube diameter is about 30mm. The floating fry look like pieces of threads 7 mm long. They are very sensitive to water pollution by organic matter. In a rearing aquarium, an activated carbon filter and a daily complete replacement of water with fresh water of the same composition and temperature are required. Water is suitable for settled tap water, passed through a filter. Malek grows rapidly and soon ceases to react painfully to pollution.

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

- catfish with a very thin and long body. The snout is sharp, the pectoral and dorsal fins are large, in the form of an acute triangle. It grows up to 30 cm, while being almost a complete vegetarian. Picky in food - you need algae tablets, lettuce, even cucumbers. Does not tolerate pollution. Caviar lays 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, in the shape of a sail. The mouth is a large, strong sucker. Swims poorly and reluctantly. It eats fouling and scrapes wooden snags that need to be provided to it. But he does not refuse from the bloodworm. Water hardness varies over a wide range, temperature from 23 to 30 °C.

Brocade catfish in last years has become a big fashion, but often becomes a problem for beginners. On sale, there are usually juveniles 5-7 cm in size. When buying a catfish, they often do not know that it is able to grow up to 30-35 cm. discus, trying to stick to them. Probably, catfish are attracted by the mucus that covers their body. As a result, the scales are damaged, and ulcers can occur. Pterygoplicht pays no attention to small fish. We can recommend catfish from the genus hypostomus, similar to pterygoplicht, devoid of this drawback and growing not so fast.

The shape of the body is strongly reminiscent of pterygoplicht. The dorsal fin is smaller, the color is brown, rufous or reddish. They are imported under the names Hypostomus sp., Spotted Hypostomus, Red Hypostomus, Albino Hypostomus and Watavata Hypostomus. The last name seems to be closest to the truth. The conditions of detention do not differ from the brocade catfish.

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

They are covered with a strong bone shell, which is absent on a flat belly. Twilight, solitary fish, looking for food at the bottom. The dorsal and pectoral fins are equipped with strong serrated spines. Be careful: catfish are easily entangled in the net, and a pricked finger hurts for a long time. If you take the catfish in your hands, it makes a loud creak. They are omnivorous, but need at least a third of plant food. Withstand a wide range of hardness, acidity and water temperature. They are indifferent to the oxygen content in water, they can swallow atmospheric air. In aquariums, most often contain agamyx (Agamyxis flavopictus) - black, with light spots and platydorus (Platydoras costatus), which has yellow stripes on a 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 mustache. They grow up to 12-15 cm. They do not pay attention to neighbors who are 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 difficult. Breeding is available only to experienced aquarists.

Killer whales are fast, sociable, diurnal catfish that swim in the water column. Not too predatory and can be kept in a species tank 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 more 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. On the snout are four pairs of rather long antennae. Length up to 12 cm. Mistus is a “shock” fish. With a sharp change in conditions, for example, when transplanting, "faints" and may die. It doesn't matter if the new conditions are better or worse, the mistus reacts only to their change. Before planting newly acquired fish in the aquarium, you need to smoothly align the water parameters. The easiest way is to add water from the aquarium intended for it to the water in which the catfish arrived, drip, using a thin tube.

Reddish killer whale ( Mystusmicracantus), similar in shape to the mistus, but colored in pink-red tones, with large dark spots behind the gill covers and a dark band on the caudal peduncle, and 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 has not been mastered.

- a genus of African catfish from the rivers of Zaire, Nile, Niger, Zambezi and others. About 10-15 years ago, they abruptly entered the 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 broad head. Three pairs of long, branched mustaches. The color is very variable - from ash-gray to almost black with dark and light spots. All species of synodonts are able to swim upside down, combing the surface of the water with their fluffy whiskers and collecting insects that have fallen into the water. For the changeling (S. nigriventris), this method of swimming has become the main one. The content of synodonts is not a problem. The reaction of water is neutral, the temperature is 22-26 ° C, but it is desirable to increase the hardness to 18 °. Catfish are activated at night, eating bloodworms and other food prepared in advance for them at the bottom. Reproduction of synodonts is a great difficulty. 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. In contradiction with the 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, often no more than 15. Changeling (S. nigriventris)- peaceful catfish up to 6 cm long. Suitable for any aquarium. The color is gray, with streaks, but a pure black version of the color has recently appeared. Cuckoo (S. multipunctatus)- not a bad companion in the general aquarium. The color is gray-yellow, with dark round spots. Throws its eggs to spawning African cichlids.

is the only species in the family. The body of this catfish is cylindrical, elongated, 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 color of the spawners intensifies, and spots appear on the body. Catfish is attractive not by color, but by an unusual shape. These catfish breathe atmospheric air. From the gill cavity to the very tail, two air sacs extend, playing the role of lungs. In nature, such an adaptation allows catfish to wait out the drought, remaining almost without water in the semi-dried mud. You can keep them in normal aquarium conditions. During the day, catfish prefer to sit in shelters under stones, snags or plant roots. They are indifferent to other inhabitants, but they can well scare other fish trying to take their chosen place at the bottom. In an aquarium with them, in order to avoid conflicts, it is better not to keep other bottom species. In the spawning ground, sandy soil is needed, on which, after stormy mating games up to 5000 eggs are spawned. Malek swims on the seventh day, he is easily fed with compound feed and grows rapidly.

In youth, it is very similar to the sac-gill catfish. The main difference is in the dorsal fin, which stretches almost along the entire body. Natural color is brown, with small specks. The marble form is more often on sale. The body is light yellow with dark brown large "marble" 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 is very popular in aquariums around the world. It has been imported into 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 feverishly rushes around the aquarium, adhering to the middle layers of water, very enlivening the underwater landscape. Fairly peaceful appearance, suitable for keeping with not too small species. May panic and "pass out", but quickly recovers. It is gluttonous, grows quickly reaching 20 cm. Any food, temperature 23-27 "C, water is neutral with slight deviations.

Active during the day, completely peaceful catfish with a transparent body. Through the transparent muscles and skin are visible internal organs and a skeleton. Lives in average aquarium conditions, but only in a flock. Single individuals quickly die. Keep only with peaceful neighbors such as small characins or viviparous. 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. Small regular water changes are needed. Doesn't handle dirt well. Keeps in the middle layers of water, swims slowly, "neatly". Feed is suitable live and dry. Grows up to 10 cm.

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