Catfish synodontis: species, description and content

Beginners often have many problems with aquarists. The bottom of the aquarium very quickly overgrew with silt, the water turns green, expensive fish get sick and die. Here you can not do without professional advice. And one of them is the recommendation to have an interesting fish called catfish synodontis. This conscientious and very greedy Sanitary is from Central Africa. It will help keep the aquarium clean without special procedures. This underwater inhabitant not only copes well with the task, but also beautifies the home underwater world.

general description

Catfish synodontis is one of the most interesting aquarium inhabitants. Surprising creatures are mostly nocturnal, while they are very spectacular, large and bright. They perfectly coexist with most aquarium inhabitants. Predators do not touch them because of their large size and near-bottom habitat, and also because of the peace-loving nature. However, small ornamental fish can be considered catfish as food. They will not be hunting specially, but they will swallow what is in their mouths. The somodontis catfish came to us from the Congo River basin, and in the aquarium it did not change its eating habits, continuing to collect organic remains from the bottom and walls.

Features of the view

When you come for the first time to choose the inhabitants for a home aquarium, first of all pay attention to what the fish looks like, and only then start asking questions about how fancy it is and what its requirements are for its content. In fact, catfish synodontis is an ideal option for beginners, for whom moody ornamental fish would be a real test. In addition, you will get a true aesthetic pleasure from watching these creatures. One of the representatives of this species has the ability to swim on the back, that is upward belly. Thanks to this, they received their second name - somers-turners. But during the bottom hunting for food particles, they occupy a typical position for fish. This feature is easily explained by the physiological structure, which we will talk about a little later. Catfish synodontis, the content of which is simple enough even for beginners in aquarium business, was first exported from Africa in 1950 and very quickly fell in love with aquarists.

External Data

These are stocky creatures, slightly flattened on the sides. They have very strong skin, covered with mucus. It is because of this that aquarium predators do not view them as prey. The back has a characteristic bend, which is even deeper than on the belly. Muzzle is also of interest. Catfish aquarium sinodontis has large eyes, its mouth is lower, equipped with three pairs of mustaches. Dorsal fin very large, triangular in shape. Caudal fin - bilobate, in addition, it is equipped with a large fat fin.

Coloring can vary depending on what type of species you have in your aquarium. Most often these are grayish-beige individuals with dark spots. Usually, in fish, the abdomen is slightly lighter than the back, in the same way everything is exactly the opposite: the back is light, and the abdomen is of a dark gray, almost black hue. By gender, it is not easy to distinguish males and females, but adults differ in size. Samples are larger, they reach 10 cm in length, and males usually do not grow more than 6 cm. Under good conditions in captivity they live up to 10 years. There are many species of these fish, each of the subspecies differs externally. Let's talk in more detail about each of them, so that it would be easier for you to make your choice before going to the pet store.

Fish behavior

Usually the newly-made master, having launched new fish into the aquarium, is ready not to leave the glasses for hours, watching the life of new pets. However, you need to make a discount on the fact that before you som somodontis. The content of these fish requires patience. Released in a new aquarium, they will lay down on the bottom or try to hide in shelters, which it is desirable to prepare in advance, and will not appear until dark. And, even having become well acquainted, they will repeat the usual practice. Therefore, consider installing a source of dim light next to the aquarium. Then, at nightfall, you can watch their life. It is at this time that the catfish go in search of food. They dig through the soil and eat it with pleasure. This fact must be taken into account before starting the aquarium. If you plan to launch benthic catfish into it, then avoid fine sand. These fish will regularly dig it up, each time picking up mud. The filter is unlikely to cope with this load. Large and sharp stones are also better to remove, so that your pets are not hurt about them. Ideal option will be small stones, which are also great for planting plants. The soil layer should be decent so that the fish can not dig up the roots of the plants. In general, these fish are very peaceful, they like to live in flocks, so it will be better if you buy several individuals of the same species for a large aquarium.

Smart veile soms

The real dandy of the underwater kingdom, catfish sinodontis veil has a very impressive appearance. In the first place, such a smart one makes his dorsal fin, which fascinates with its veil shape. The color of these individuals is monophonic, most likely it can be classified as a bluish one. Throughout the body, the catfish has a large number of black dots. It is very difficult to distinguish males from females, their appearance is identical, and the maturation of genital organs occurs only at the age of two. Before that, you only have to guess who is sitting in your aquarium.

These beautiful fishes grow large, up to 30 cm in length. If you are just looking for an aquarium for yourselves, then it's best to choose a capacity of at least 100 liters. In fact, these creatures are peaceful, but small fish can swallow, so do not plant guppies and other miniature inhabitants with them, so as not to create conditions that are difficult for them to survive. In general, the veil som loves privacy in shelter, dark places. All these fish are eaten, they are completely unpretentious, they are eagerly responding to live food. But wait for the offspring will be very difficult even if you have sexually mature individuals in your aquarium. Professionals use hormones to stimulate reproduction. However, if you do not plan to sell aquarium fish, it will be enough to have some beautiful catfishes and enjoy them.

Catfish Catfish

Another interesting representative of this species. Catfish Synodontis cuckoo does not produce characteristic sounds at all, as one might think, based on the name. No, the nickname was given to him for another reason. These curious creatures are nesting parasites, that is, they do not care about their offspring, or rather, do it at the expense of other underwater inhabitants. This is the only fish that reproduces in this way. And the responsibility for bearing offspring is borne by cichlids, which in nature live in the same reservoirs. They nurture and incubate catfish eggs in their mouths. So in your aquarium you can hardly get offspring.

This catfish is considered very elegant. It has a light yellow color with numerous black spots. The length of the fish is small, about 15 cm. The body is dense, long and slightly flattened from the sides. The eyes are large, and there are also three pairs of mustaches. There is a large fatty fin and a dorsal - a small size. The caudal fin has developed lobes. The character is very peaceful, the fish are schooly, look good in numbers from five individuals. An aquarium of at least 80 liters is required. Catfish (multi-spotted synodontis) is an omnivorous, consuming both vegetable and animal food.

SOMIC-PERVERT

One of the most favorite types of fish aquarists. A large, interesting, good-natured catfish synodontis is more likely than others to choose not only beginners, but also people professionally addicted to fish. It refers to the fimbral catfish. He has a practically triangular body, a semicircular mouth and powerful spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins. They have the same three pairs of tendrils, but two of them are pinnate, as if with a fringe. He feeds on insects that have fallen into the water, but has a lower mouth, and so he has to turn over and swim up abdomen to collect food. Catfish synodontis, the photo of which we cite below, is prone to obesity, so once a week leave it without food.

Sinodontis euprus

Very elegant creatures, whose homeland is Tanzania. Large enough, therefore, choosing an aquarium for them, stop at least 150 liters. In it they can grow up to 12 centimeters. This species, like everyone else, likes shade and shelter, so you must plant plants and build special grottos. With whom does the catfish synodontis get along well? Its compatibility with other species is very good, but the ideal option will be colorful cichlids. These are very gluttonous creatures, and they prefer live food, various insects and snails.

Flag synodontis

This is another popular catfish sinodontis. Reviews say that it is not very common in pet stores, but is a welcome guest in every aquarium. The flag catfish is light, with a silvery outflow and black spots. The first dorsal fin is extended into a high ray, which is its main ornament. They grow large, about 20-25 centimeters. Life expectancy in the aquarium is about 10-15 years. They have a very peaceful nature, but if any fish in the aquarium gets injured, it must be planted, otherwise the catfish will eat this place. Nutrition is mainly of animal origin. It can be bloodworm and daphnia, as well as scraped meat, liver and heart. Approximately 20% of the diet can be a vegetable feed. These are bread crumbs, dandelion leaves, oatmeal.

Som Dalmatian

This bright representative of its kind in a spacious aquarium can grow up to 20 cm in length. Catfish synodontis Dalmatian is very elegant. The posterior part of fins is white-blue, and the caudal fin has a fringing of the same color. To keep this fish you will need an aquarium with a volume of at least 100 liters. The water temperature is 28-29 degrees, do not forget that these are tropical creatures! For normal life it is necessary to ensure effective filtration and aeration, as well as regular water substitution. There are no problems with feeding, the catfish will be happy to eat any proposed food. Most of the time the fish spend near the bottom, preferring to float at night.

Let's sum up the results

Each of the representatives of this large family is worthy of your attention. These are not very fancy fish, which will easily live for you to 10 years. If you just start your first aquarium, then stop on them your choice. Then your aquarium will become habitable without unnecessary problems. Do not choose too small neighbors - catfish are peace loving, but predatory creatures. And, finally, do not overfeed them, they all have a good appetite.