CATFISH
Catfishes (order Siluriformes) are a diverse group of ray-finned fish. Named for their prominent barbels, which resemble a cat's whiskers, catfish range in size and behavior from the heaviest and longest, the Mekong giant catfish from Southeast Asia and the second longest, the welsh catfish of Eurasia, to detritivores (species that eat dead material on the bottom), and even to a tiny parasitic species commonly called the candiru, Vandellia cirrhosa. There are armor-plated types and also naked types, neither having scales. Despite their name, not all catfish have prominent barbels; members of the Siluriformes order are defined by features of the skull and swim bladder. Catfish are of considerable commercial importance; many of the larger species are farmed or fished for food. Many of the smaller species, particularly the genus Corydoras, are important in the aquarium hobby. Catfish are nocturnal.
Characteristics
Most catfish are bottom feeders. In general, they are negatively buoyant, which means that they will usually sink rather than float due to a reduced gas bladder and a heavy, bony head. Catfish have a variety of body shapes, though most have a cylindrical body with a flattened ventrum to allow for benthic feeding. They are mostly bottom feeders so have large flat heads for digging deep into the substrate for food. Plecostomus or Pleco are armoured catfish with suckers in mouth that are used in keeping the walls of the aquarium free from algae.
Care
Catfishes are a very hardy bunch. They do not need specialized care as such. Just keeping their water clean and giving them adequate food will suffice. Also remember not to introduce small or docile fish to your big catfishes (Shovel Nose, Red Tail Cat, etc.). They will nip the docile fish at night when the lights are out and you won't find the small fish in the morning. They will mysteriously disappear!!
Characteristics
Most catfish are bottom feeders. In general, they are negatively buoyant, which means that they will usually sink rather than float due to a reduced gas bladder and a heavy, bony head. Catfish have a variety of body shapes, though most have a cylindrical body with a flattened ventrum to allow for benthic feeding. They are mostly bottom feeders so have large flat heads for digging deep into the substrate for food. Plecostomus or Pleco are armoured catfish with suckers in mouth that are used in keeping the walls of the aquarium free from algae.
Care
Catfishes are a very hardy bunch. They do not need specialized care as such. Just keeping their water clean and giving them adequate food will suffice. Also remember not to introduce small or docile fish to your big catfishes (Shovel Nose, Red Tail Cat, etc.). They will nip the docile fish at night when the lights are out and you won't find the small fish in the morning. They will mysteriously disappear!!