Catfish fish It is one of the best known fish in the world. Noted for its outstanding cat-like whiskers. It is also known as catfish and they are found in large numbers both in the sea and in the river. It belongs to the order of the Silurifiormes and the Pimelodiadae family. In this group are obese fish, with a lot of fat and, therefore, with meat.
In this article we will thoroughly describe this fish and all the characteristic functions that they have in aquariums. Do you want to know more about catfish? Keep reading 🙂
Key features
The vast majority of catfish fish that exist belong to the Siluriformes order. They are also called catfish because they have whiskers made of tentacles in their mouths that resemble the whiskers of cats. These whiskers they are called filamentous barbels. There are some fish that have them under the mouth or even in the snout itself. As in cats, these filaments are used as a sensory organ, easily detecting the food they are going to consume.
On their body they have sharp, retractable spines on the front of their dorsal and pectoral fin. These spines are very useful in natural ecosystems when they are attacked by some type of predator. In addition, in lagoons of these spines they have poisonous glands that they can inject into their prey. Depending on the species of catfish we see, they may or may not have these spines. Throughout the evolution of this species, the spines have been lost.
A special characteristic of the catfish fish is that it has a very hard skin and does not have scales. There are some groups that have dermal plates that serve as armor to protect against attack by predators. This armor has evolved and replaced the scales.
Depending on the species we can find some different sizes that go from 50 centimeters to 2 meters in length. It really can get very big. In terms of weight, we find it between 5 and 200 kilograms. The largest catfish ever recorded had a dimensions of 3 meters in length and 250 kilos in weight.
Range and habitat
This species is found in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is common to see them in the Gulf of Mexico and in other states.
Its natural habitat is limited to the tropics and subtropics. Where they are most abundant is close to the areas of fresh water and mighty rivers. Either in the river or in the sea, it never usually inhabits very deep areas, but with abundant vegetation to hide from its predators.
Behavior and feeding
This is a fairly peaceful fish. However, when it feels threatened, it is capable of releasing a poison that is stored in the spines of its fins. The magnitude of the poison depends on the type of species.
The biggest predator that catfish fish has is humans. Its greatest threat is the constant fishing of this specimen for its meat. As for its ability to hunt, it is a great opportunist that manages to feed itself without making any effort.
Their diet varies if their natural habitat is river or sea. Those who live in the river wait for the current to bring their food. Therefore, he does not consider himself a great hunter, but an opportunist. Quite the opposite occurs with those who live in the sea. Their preferred prey are some fish smaller than them and crustaceans.
Catfish reproduction
When it reaches a length of 25 cm, it is considered to have reached sexual maturity. The breeding process begins when spring approaches and temperatures rise. Its fertilization is external. To do this, the females lay their eggs only once a year. However, male fish are capable of fertilizing several females.
If we want the reproduction to start in a fish tank, it is important to keep the temperature at about 20 degrees. The conditions of their natural habitat must be simulated as well as possible. On the other hand, the time that eggs take to hatch will be about 8 days.
Catfish meat is in high demand due to its high quality and cost. It has a large amount of protein and an exquisite flavor.
Captive care
When purchasing a catfish fish for your aquarium, it is essential to know its customs to prepare the aquarium in one way or another. Keep in mind that habits vary greatly between each species. Therefore, both the morphology of the interior, such as the fish tank, They must be compatible with the catfish species that we are going to introduce.
As for food, you also have to know what species it is and how it is fed previously, some are carnivores, others herbivores and even many consume all kinds of food (omnivores). In this situation we can find in many aquarium stores catfish fish food that are balanced and are very useful for the maintenance of the fish.
For the bottom of the aquarium it is recommended that it have a fine structure so that they can adapt well to the bottom. We must remember that these fish spend most of their time at the bottom of the aquarium and, if we place fine gravel-like structure, they will adapt better and the tentacles will be prevented from being injured.
The water must remain clean and with good oxygenation. For this, the filtering system has to be good if we want to ensure its survival.
Catfish fish curiosities
This fish has a very peculiar way of communicating with each other. They produce very strange sounds called stridulation. In aquariums, it is used to clean the funds since they eat whatever they get.
To take care of the young, the male has to search a suitable site for the female to lay her eggs.
With this information you can learn more about this fish.
It's great but lacks flotation and breathing?