Catfish is an unusual fish. It is not at all like other inhabitants of freshwater bodies. This individual lacks scales or a normal tail. Moreover, it is distinguished by the presence of two pairs of long, fleshy mustaches. However, the most important feature is the weight of this fish. There are specimens weighing up to 300 kilograms. Moreover, today there are many species of catfish that differ in size.
Corydoras speckled
The fish called the speckled corydoras is a medium-sized, peaceful individual that is unpretentious. It belongs to the armored catfish family. This fish is found in American waters. Corydoras prefers to lead a bottom-dwelling lifestyle. He has a timid and modest character and feels good in a flock.
Corydoras is characterized by a barrel-shaped body. At the same time, on the head there are expressive eyes and a small mouth, which is bordered by a mustache. This individual is distinguished by its gray coloration with dark spots. Breeders managed to breed different types of such fish. They come in black, green, orange, and white.
The length of catfish reaches 5-7 centimeters. They are well suited for aquariums larger than 30 liters, inhabited by small and peaceful fish. Such individuals happily eat leftover food from the bottom. These fish lay eggs and reproduce easily at home. For this purpose, it is recommended to use a spawning aquarium.
Synodontis
This fish lives in the African Zaire River. It belongs to the family of fringed catfish. These individuals are medium in size and unpretentious. At the same time, they are characterized by bright visual signs.
Synodontis is characterized by an elongated, somewhat rounded body. At the same time, on the head there are large eyes and a small pink mouth, which is complemented by three pairs of beautiful mustaches. The fish is also characterized by a brown color with dark spots. It reaches a length of 25 centimeters. Moreover, its life expectancy is 7-10 years.
Synodontis is considered a nocturnal resident. During the daytime, these fish hide in shelters. An aquarium with a capacity of more than 100 liters, complemented by an abundance of decorations, is suitable for growing such individuals.You should choose active fish of similar sizes as neighbors. The catfish will eat small individuals. Synodontis do not reproduce naturally at home.
Platidoras
This is a species of catfish that has long been loved by aquarists and belongs to the Bronyakov family. These individuals come from the reservoirs of Peru and Brazil. Platydoras is characterized by an elongated, slightly flattened body. They are distinguished by a rounded head and sensitive whiskers.
The dorsal and pectoral fins of such individuals are complemented by hard, jagged rays. These fish are distinguished by their black and gray color and are complemented by horizontal stripes of a milky shade. The length of platidoras reaches 20 centimeters.
This catfish is considered a typical night hunter. During the daytime, it hides in secluded places, and at night it is active. These individuals are characterized by an aquarium size of 100 liters or more. In this case, the catfish is allowed to live next to nimble neighbors of the same size.
At home, you should not expect Platydoras to reproduce. In fish farms, such individuals receive hormone injections to procreate.
Glass Indian catfish
This is a small, peaceful catfish that has an exotic appearance. The water bodies of Thailand, India and Sri Lanka are considered the homeland of these fish. Such individuals are characterized by an elongated body, flattened laterally. At the same time, on the pointed head there are large eyes and long mustaches.
A distinctive feature of the fish is the absence of pigment in its scales and skin. Therefore, the catfish is characterized by a transparent body. There is a silver pouch behind the individual's head. It is a cavity in which the internal organs are located. In this case, the dorsal fin is absent.The maximum size of Indian catfish is 10-12 centimeters.
At home, it is recommended to grow such individuals in an aquarium with a capacity of more than 30 liters. Peaceful inhabitants are suitable for them as neighbors. These fish have a timid and modest character. It is recommended to raise them in the company of similar individuals. However, you should not expect reproduction at home.
Sturisoma panama
Sturisoma Panama is an unusual fish that belongs to the Chainfish family. It lives in South American waters. Sturisoma is distinguished by a thin, elongated body with a thickening near the abdomen and head. It is characterized by a long muzzle with a lower mouth. At the end of the caudal fin there are outgrowths in the form of threads. The fish is characterized by a brown color with a pattern. Sturisoma looks great in an aquarium with a lot of greenery. The length of the fish is no more than 20-25 centimeters.
The suitable aquarium volume for Sturisoma is 150 liters. She feels good in the company of calm and friendly neighbors. In addition, this type of catfish reproduces well at home.
Torakatum
These individuals are characterized by a peaceful disposition. Therefore, they can easily withstand the company of other aquarium fish. However, there is an important difference. Torakatums are more active than other catfish, which prefer to hide.
The size of these individuals does not exceed 12 centimeters. At the same time, their torso is covered with hard plates. The color is often dark brown. The fish are actively searching for the remains of food at the bottom, so you should not be afraid of its decomposition.
Another feature is the reproduction process of such catfish. They build nests from bubbles, which is considered uncharacteristic for such individuals.
Panak royal black-lined
This is a beautiful catfish that is part of the Chainfish family. Its homeland is considered to be the Orinoco River, which is located in South America. The catfish is distinguished by a flattened body, which is covered with reliable armor. It is also characterized by a pointed head with large eyes and a suction cup mouth.
The Royal Panak is characterized by a contrasting shade of gray-black or gray-brown color. The length of the fish is 30 centimeters. Under natural conditions it reaches half a meter.
Panakas are intolerant of members of their own species. Such individuals get along well with other medium-sized fish, which mainly live in the middle and upper third of the aquarium. They should be placed in aquariums larger than 200 liters. It is worth placing natural driftwood here as an additional source of food.
These fish do not reproduce well at home. This is primarily due to the size of the individuals themselves and the aquariums.
Ancistrus
This is a common aquarium catfish. It belongs to the chain catfish family. The Amazon River in Brazil is considered the birthplace of these individuals. Ancistrus is distinguished by its attractive appearance and low maintenance requirements.
These individuals are characterized by a flattened body with a suction cup mouth. With its help, fish scrape off algal fouling. The classic color of such catfish is gray-black. Through selection it was possible to obtain brown, orange, spotted and other individuals. A characteristic feature of such fish is considered to be growths on the head of males. They are formed at the time of puberty. Females and young individuals do not have such outgrowths.
Ancistrus grow up to 13 centimeters. Moreover, their life expectancy is 7-10 years. Such individuals are well suited for shared aquariums with civilians.It is important that their volume is at least 50 liters. These fish can breed in a home aquarium. They lay their eggs in ceramic tubes. Subsequently, the male takes care of the offspring.
Pterygoplicht brocade
This is a large catfish that is popular with aquarium owners. It reaches a length of 50 centimeters and belongs to the chain catfish family. Under natural conditions, this fish lives in South American waters. Pterygoplichthus is characterized by a flat, horizontal body. At the same time, on the pointed head of such individuals there is a suction cup mouth.
In a calm state, the fins of the fish are pressed against the body. When moving around the aquarium or when excited, the fish opens its fins, revealing a gorgeous dorsal fin that resembles a sail. The fish are characterized by a brown color with spots.
These individuals can be kept with large and medium-sized fish. They should be placed in aquariums with a volume of up to 200 liters. Typically, the brocade pterygoplichthus does not show aggression towards neighbors of other species. At the same time, the fish is intolerant of its relatives. At home, these individuals do not reproduce.
Otocinclus
South American armored otocinclus are considered the smallest catfish for an aquarium. They do not exceed 3-5 centimeters in length. For a flock of 5 individuals, an aquarium with a capacity of 50 liters is enough. Otocinclus effectively cleans the container of algae, but does not damage underwater vegetation.
The lifespan of aquarium catfish is determined by the quality characteristics of the water. Representatives of this species are highly sensitive to temperature parameters and the content of harmful components.
Pimelodus-angel
This is a bright, contrasting individual that belongs to the Pimelodidae catfish family. Under natural conditions, such fish are found in Brazil and Paraguay. Pimelodus is characterized by an elongated silvery body covered with spots. This fish has large eyes and a gorgeous long mustache. It reaches 20-30 centimeters in length.
These individuals should be placed in an aquarium with a volume of 200 liters or more, which includes many hiding places. Pimedolus live well in flocks and look truly luxurious. It is worth choosing active, proportionate residents as neighbors to such individuals. These fish do not reproduce at home.
Pangasius highfin
This beautiful and large fish comes from Asian waters. It belongs to the Pangasiidae catfish family. Visually, pangasius resembles a shark. It is characterized by a swift body, a high dorsal fin and a large mouth. This fish is also distinguished by its dark gray color with a light belly. Pangasius reaches a length of 3 meters. Young individuals are successfully raised in aquariums. It is important that their volume is at least 500 liters.
Despite their considerable size, pangasius are distinguished by their timid disposition. The aquarium lid must always be kept closed. This fish can easily jump out if it hears noise or movement. When decorating an aquarium, you should not use sharp objects. Such individuals move in the water column and can become damaged. You should not expect such individuals to reproduce at home.
Fractocephalus
This large predatory fish belongs to the Pimelodov family. It comes from the Amazon. This catfish is characterized by a dense, powerful body, which is distinguished by a huge mouth and a flat head.The fish is distinguished by a gray-white color with an orange border on the caudal and dorsal fins.
Fractocephalus exceeds 1 meter in length and feeds on everything that fits in its mouth. Therefore, it is recommended to use only active, proportionate individuals as neighbors. The aquarium must have a volume of at least 300-500 liters. You should use driftwood as decoration. Fish also require dim lighting. Objects in the aquarium must be well secured to avoid damage to the catfish. You should not expect fractocephalus to multiply at home.
Loricaria red
This is a peaceful, graceful Sim that lives in the Amazon. Locaria is characterized by a long body with a slight thickening in the area of the head and abdomen. The upper part of the caudal fin is complemented by a thread-like growth. The catfish has a brick-red hue and reaches a length of 15 centimeters. Locaria should be placed in an aquarium with a capacity of 50 liters.
Sacbranch catfish
This is a well-known catfish from the sacbranch family. It is found in the waters of Asia and is distinguished by a long, snake-like body. This individual is characterized by a small head with small eyes and a large mouth. The fish has a dull gray-black color. The length of such individuals does not exceed 70 centimeters. They do not reproduce at home.
Catfish are unusual fish that have visual features and an interesting lifestyle. Today there are many species of such individuals that are bred in aquariums.
