Aquarium catfish - an excellent alternative to whimsical fish

Inexperienced owners of aquariums often suffer from such an unpleasant phenomenon as the death of fish. Many species of aquarium fish are very sensitive to water quality, temperature, feed and filtration, so cases of their mass death are not uncommon. Aquarium catfishes are an excellent alternative to whimsical species. They are not only very hardy and can live in inadequately favorable conditions, but also differ from other species by a variety of colors and shapes.

Of course, not all aquarium catfishes, whose kinds are and quite demanding of the conditions of detention, can live in unfavorable conditions. This type of fish is best felt in normal conditions of maintenance in large aquariums with proper filtration and aeration.

Aquarium catfish are notable for their behavior. Many of them peacefully coexist among themselves and with other species of fish, but there are also carnivorous catfishes, so when buying a catfish it is necessary to know to what extent it grows and how it coexists with other inhabitants of the aquarium. Most often, aquarium catfishes find a secluded nook on the bottom and spend most of the time in it. So, for example, my catfish-platidoras almost all day "hangs" between the wall of the aquarium and the water filter. And it is noteworthy that most of the time he is in the "upside down" position.

Below is a brief description of some species of catfish.

1. A speckled catfish

He likes to dig in the ground, so it is suitable for keeping in an aquarium with small and large gravel on the bottom. The colors of the mottled catfish are very different: from the usual olive to the spectacular white (albino). The body length of the fish is 6-7 cm. The body is dense and short. He has a flat belly and a bulging back. Small feces have a very large head compared to the body with a pair of antennae. The speckled catfish leads an active lifestyle almost all day. Good at eating any food.

2. Ancistrus

These catfish are often used not only as an ordinary aquarium fish, but also as a "cleaner" of the glass of the aquarium and other surfaces. Their peculiarity is the presence of a special sucker, with which they attach to the surface of an object or leaves of plants and clean them from plaque and dirt. There are several types of colors for these fish, but their albino variety is the most attractive. In adult individuals (especially in males), branching branches grow on the head, which look very decorative. Although some experts say that cleaning glasses with the help of ancistrus is ineffective, for 2 years of keeping the aquarium, I only did 1 "general cleaning" in it, since 8 of my multi-colored ancistrus copes well with their "duties".

3. Agamixis

These catfishes reach 20 cm in length and have a very beautiful and spectacular coloring: on a black background there are various forms of white spots. These catfishes belong to the family Bronyakovye. They are also called grumbling catfish, because they make very unusual sounds in anger. These fish are very calm, regardless of their size. Prefer a nocturnal lifestyle. These aquarium catfishes survive to 15 years with favorable care. Eat all types of feed. In captivity, they practically do not breed.

4. Platidors

By the size and shape of the body are very similar to agamixis, but differ in color: along the black body there is a cream strip. Also apply to long-livers (under 18 years). Peaceful and unpretentious catfish.

5. Tarakatums

Motley calm fish, reaching a length of 20 cm. In general, the larger the aquarium, the larger grows the tarakatum. There are fish with different colors, among which there are albinos. They have 2 pairs of long antennae and an elongated torpedo-shaped body. These fish are unpretentious in care.

All of the above aquarium catfish prefer a water temperature of 24 to 27 ° C. Almost all catfish require the same care, so they are easy to keep together.