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Amy Tokic
by Amy Tokic
November 12th, 2013 12:00 AM
fast facts

About Catfish

Group
Freshwater
Size
Large
Temperament
Non-aggressive
Aquarium Size
Large (50+ gal )
Swimming Region
Bottom
Fish Water Condition
Varies depending on species
Suitable Tank Mates
Other species of catfish, Koi, Giant Gourami, Oscars, Pacu
Difficulty Of Care
Monthly care
Top Breed
4
catfish
Catfish General Description


Catfish are a large family of freshwater fish extremely popular in the aquarium trade. Most species of catfish are extremely hardy and make for fascinating aquarium specimens. They are characterized by their whisker-like barbells which are used to gather a great deal of sensory information. Unlike most other species of freshwater fish, the catfish’s body is not covered in scales. Instead, they have thick, leathery skins which are often covered in a thin layer of mucus. Most species of catfish also have a bony and spine-like ray on their dorsal and pectoral fins. When feeling threatened, they will often lock these rays in place, making them stick outwards and providing the catfish with a certain degree of physical protection.


Most species of catfish are extremely hardy and make for fascinating aquarium specimens.


Origins


Different species are found in freshwater habitats across the world.


Color


The many different species come colored in shades of white, pink, brown, yellow, grey and black.


Maintenance and care
The specific aquarium needs of different species of catfish vary based on their natural habitats. However, most species are extremely hardy and can adapt to a fairly wide range of water conditions. That said, they can be sensitive to abrupt changes in water quality and are sometimes sensitive to the side effects of various medications.


Catfish are a primarily bottom dwelling species and prefer a soft substrate such as sand or smooth gravel. Most species are also extremely active and spend most of their time swimming up and down the aquarium. They thrive in aquariums which provide them with enough swimming space as well as numerous hiding places.


Most species of catfish are extremely peaceful and make great community fish. They shouldn’t however be kept with slower moving, timid species which might be stressed out by their exuberant physical activity.


Most species can grow quite large and it is important to the individual species’ growth potential before raising them. Often they need to be raised in large, outdoor ponds because of their great size and strength.


Feeding


Most species are omnivores and can be fed on a pellet or algae disk based diet. Some species, like plecos, are scavengers and will scour the aquarium bottom and sides for algae. Some carnivorous species may also devour smaller tank mates that they can fit in their mouths.


Most species are extremely hardy and can adapt to a fairly wide range of water conditions.


Breeding


It is virtually unheard of for catfish to breed in the home aquarium.


Aquarium varieties


Otocinclus, Cory, Pleco, Bristle Nosed, Clown, Iridescent Shark, Glass, Bumblebee, Columbian Shark, etc.


Photo credit: CHUCAO/Wikimedia; sannse/Wikimedia
WOW
Amy Tokic
Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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Top 5 Freshwater Fish Species for Planted Tanks

Now that you’ve got your planted tank set up, it’s time to stock it with fish. You can’t go wrong with these five freshwater fish species. Creating a beautiful aquarium is not an easy task. There are many aspects and factors you’ll have to pay attention to if you want to create a thriving habitat in your home. Naturally, the choice of the tank and the environment in it can’t be separated from your choice for the fish and critters in the tank. You wouldn’t want your fauna to turn on your flora, right? After you have set up your planted tank and done the work to get your plants started, you next have to think about what kind of fish you want to keep in your tank. Do not make the mistake of rushing into this decision too quickly – if you make the wrong choice you could end up having all of your hard work ruined overnight. While many aquarium fish will nibble on plants occasionally, many species have no interest in live plants which makes them a great choice for the planted tank. 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These vivid colorful fish will swim together in a coordinated fashion, their elegant movement only making your planted tank look even more gorgeous. Related: 4 Best Types of Lighting Systems for Planted Aquariums Tetras: The perfect species for aquarium newbies and experienced aquarists alike, tetras come in many different varieties to choose from. There is a big selection of different tetra species to choose from but most species are peaceful by nature and remain fairly small in size. While they may be small, their bright colors will stand out beautifully in any aquarium space. They are also easy to care for and won’t need much fussing over to thrive in your planted tank. Neon tetra, cardinal tetra, bleeding heart tetra are some of the most frequent choices. They typically do best when kept in groups with six or more of their own species and they are a good choice for the community tank. 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Plecostomus

Plecostomus General Description The name Plecostomus is typically used to describe the species Hypostomus plecostomus – this fish is also known as the Common Pleco or the suckermouth catfish. There are more than 150 different Hypostomus species, however, many of which are also referred to as Plecostomus or Plecos. When they are small, most Plecostomus are peaceful and non-aggressive. As they get larger, however, many Plecos become aggressive and territorial – some species can reach 24 inches in length or more. The Plecostomus is a type of armored catfish that is found throughout the tropical regions of northeastern South America. Origins The Plecostomus is a type of armored catfish that is found throughout the tropical regions of northeastern South America. These fish have also been introduced into other parts of the world such as the southern United States and several Asian countries. Color Different species of Plecostomus exhibit different colorations but different shades of brown are the most common coloration. Many Plecos have spots, stripes or patches of lighter colors on the body and there are several albino variations as well. Maintenance and Care

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Be sure to take care of their needs, and they will remain steadfast companions for a good number of years. 

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Frug

Frug BasicsPug-mixed designer dog breeds are definitely a rarity, as this breed is often difficult to mate with other dogs, mostly due to its size and physiognomy. Still, as soon as the chance appeared, professional breeders did not hesitate. A unique crossbreed was soon developed, and quickly became adored across the world. Let’s meet these unique doggos! Also known as the Frenchie Pug, the Frug is a little dog who has a big personality. Sure, the name may sound a little unappealing, but personality is what counts, right (don’t worry, these little guys are pretty cute too)? These designer dogs make lovely pets for families of all shapes and sizes: from singles and retirees to families with older children. With adorable looks and sweet, easy-going temperament, the Frug is definitely a dream come true for many prospective pet owners! There aren’t many downsides to the Frug, as long as you can get past that name.In terms of appearance, the Frug often has a wrinkly face, curled tail, and compact build. However, these are hybrids- which means that their appearance will vary greatly and there’s no set standard about desirable looks or behavior. Every hybrid puppy is slightly different, depending on which genes from their parental breeds prove to be dominant. Some consider that to be a selling point (there will never be another Frug quite like yours!), while others think the lack of uniformity in hybrids is a hindrance. It’s all a matter of taste amongst dog owners.A mixed breed dog, the Frug is the offspring of two purebreds: the Pug and the French Bulldog. Both of his parents are extremely popular breeds, so it’s safe to assume the same future awaits their crossbreed puppies. Want to know if this designer dog is the right match for your family? There’s only one way to find out. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. All is about to be revealed.Also known as the Frenchie Pug, the Frug is a little dog who has a big personality.Origin There’s not much we know about the creation of the majority of individual designer dog breeds. Some of the older or more prominent hybrids do have well-documented histories, but the rest don’t have the same luck. There’s simply not much information out there, despite the rapid rise in popularity of hybrids. The reason for this is that hybrids have always been around. In fact, there have surely been many Frenchie and Pug mixes throughout history, they just happened by accident (aka puppy love). The difference between these mixes and designer dogs is that the later were bred intentionally, with the goal of developing a new and improved breed.Unfortunately, no specific breeder took the credit for being the first to deliberately cross a Pug with a French Bulldog. This fact leaves us to draw conclusions from what we know about designer dogs in general. It’s highly likely that the Frug came to be somewhere in the United States, and sometime in the last 20 to 30 years. The most probable reason for the mixing of the two breeds was to create a perfect little lapdog with the popular wrinkly-face look. Other than that, we sadly can’t be certain where these adorable little pups came from. However, we certainly can and should be grateful that Frugs exist anyways.Pedigree

Dog Snorting: Why It Happens and What to Do About It

It’s kind of cute when a dog snorts and sneezes. Some breeds can’t help but snort or sneeze often. Here’s what you should know about dog snorting. Everyone sneezes, even your dog. When a dog sneezes it often catches him by surprise, so his reaction to it is just as amusing as the sneeze itself. In addition to sneezing, some dogs exhibit another strange behavior – snorting. Sometimes the two look very similar, so it can be difficult to tell what is really going on. Keep reading to learn more about dog snorting including why it happens and what to do about it. Why Do Dogs Sneeze and Snort? Dogs sneeze for all kinds of reasons, just like humans. In many cases, it is related to the upper respiratory tract – either something is causing irritation or there is some kind of infection. In dogs, these infections could include anything from distemper to kennel cough. Another potential cause for sneezing in dogs is an upper airway obstruction – this is most common in short-faced breeds that have brachycephalic syndrome. Other potential causes for sneezing into environmental allergies or inhaled irritants, either of which may include dust, pollen, and perfumes. Related: What Pet Parents Need To Know About Reverse Sneezing In Dogs Though some of the causes for snorting in dogs overlap with the causes of sneezing, there are some key differences. For example, if your dog snorts frequently then it could be the result of obesity. Obesity increases your dog’s risk for upper airway obstruction which can lead to frequent snorting as your dog tries to clear his respiratory tract. In some cases, snorting is caused by something called “reverse sneezing” in which the dog experiences repeated bouts of spastic inhalation. After the bout passes, your dog may snort to clear his throat. Reverse sneezing, also known as paroxysmal respiration, can be frightening to experience if you are seeing it for the first time. This is largely due to the loud noise that accompanies it. The good news is that in most cases, startling experience is nothing serious or overly concerning. While veterinary professionals and researchers haven’t been able to pinpoint the exact cause of the reverse sneeze, there are a long list of potential causes including allergies, smoke, or foreign bodies in the nose, sinuses, or back of throat. Most cases of reverse sneezing will resolve themselves with no need for medical care. However, if you notice that your dog continues reverse sneezing with little to no relief, or if it continues returning, you should contact your veterinarian for a more detailed examination. Dog Sneezing During Play Do you notice that your dog tends to sneeze specifically while playing with other dogs? If so, the cause is nothing to be concerned about. In fact, behaviorists say that dogs sneeze as a form of communication. The act of sneezing in the middle of play signals that any roughhousing is just fun natured, not a threat. If they feel like there may be a misunderstanding or miscommunication of this point, sneezing is an effective way to diffuse the situation. What Can You Do About Dog Snorting? If your dog snorts very frequently it is not necessarily a cause for concern, but you may want to consult your vet anyway. If your dog is a flat-faced breed or is carrying extra weight, it is likely that he has an upper airway obstruction or some kind of anatomical abnormality that is contributing to the problem. Depending how severe the problem is, your veterinarian may recommend treatment or surgery. Related: Why Is My Cat Sneezing? To diagnose your dog’s problem, your vet may take a history of his symptoms so make sure you’ve been paying attention. Next, he’ll perform a physical exam and may take blood to run laboratory tests in order to rule out any underlying health problems. If those results are inconclusive, he may go so far as to order X-rays or other imaging tests. In extreme causes, he may need to do a visual examination of the nasal structures which could require anesthesia. In addition to having your dog checked out by your veterinarian, there are a few simple things you can do to prevent snorting. For example, you could try using a harness instead of a collar when walking your dog to take the pressure off his neck. Brachycephalic breeds should also be protected from high temperatures and keeping your dog at a healthy body weight will help as well. When is Sneezing a Concern? If you notice your dog sneezing, you may be wondering when you can laugh it off as being an adorable episode and when you should be concerned that it’s something more. In many cases, dog snorting is harmless and doesn’t signify a serious problem. However, if your dog is sneezing more frequently, if it is paired with signs of respiratory distress, or if there are any other signs that there could be something more serious happening, then you should take the situation seriously and contact your veterinarian for the next recommended steps. The first thing to take notice of is how frequently your dog is sneezing. A one-off sneeze could easily be a minor irritation in their nasal passages that has now resolved itself. This is especially common if some dust or pollen has found it’s way into your dog’s nose leading to a sneeze. However, if you notice that your dog continues sneezing repeatedly over a period of time, it’s a sign that there may be a bigger concern that needs to be addressed. It could still be nothing important, but it’s better to err on the side of caution and contact your veterinarian to investigate the potential cause. Another red flag to watch out for is the presence of blood. If your dog is sneezing blood, this is a sign that there is something that has either caused some form of damage in his nose or that something is stuck there irritating the sinus passages. This could be hair, a food item that became stuck while eating, or a plant such as the all-too-common foxtail burr. If there is something lodged in your dog’s nose, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to address the situation. Not only will this allow the professionals to carefully remove the item preventing any additional damage, but it also allows them to prevent it from becoming lodged even deeper in his nasal cavity. If your veterinarian does find any damage present in his sinus passages, they can also prescribe medications to prevent further complications, such as an infection.

Shichon

Shichon BasicsIn recent years there has been a drastic increase in the popularity of designer dog breeds. Once considered little more than mutts by snooty purebred enthusiasts, designer dogs are now rightfully considered to be special and lovable pups in their own right. Everyone seems to want a designer dogs these days. And the Shichon is one of the most sought after mixes in the pack! Adorable looks, soft and fluffy fur, and a friendly, sweet nature all make the Shichon attractive to a variety of pet owners. After all, who wouldn’t fall in love with a breed dubbed the Teddy Bear Dog? Only a monster and you aren’t a monster now, are you?Also known as Zuchon or Tzu Frise, the Shichon is a cross between the Bichon Frise and the Shih Tzu, resulting in a hybrid pup that combines all of the best features of both breeds. The Shichon gives you the small size of the Shih Tzu and the friendly disposition of the Bichon Frise. Why choose between two wonderful dog breeds when you can have the best of both in one lovable pup? You don’t need to choose between your favourite breeds anymore. You can have it all! That’s the main appeal of designer dog breeds, and the Shichon is a perfect representative as the cross truly gives you a perfect blend of two popular breeds.These hybrid dogs are not demanding. They will adapt to almost any family or living situation. However, like all breeds, the Shichon also has his quirks and special needs. What are these exactly? You’ve come to the right place to find out. Read on to learn all about these designer dogs before welcoming one into your family.The Shichon gives you the small size of the Shih Tzu and the friendly disposition of the Bichon Frise.Origin Designer dogs are a popular global trend, but individual hybrids don’t have well-documented histories. Few people were paying attention to how these dogs came to be so popular and even less were documenting the development. The origins of the Shichon breed cannot be traced back to any one breeder because the crossing of purebred dogs is not a new phenomenon. There have been surprise mixed breed litters for as long as dogs have been breeding, but that’s not what experts would consider a “true” Shichon. The history of the breed starts with people who started intentionally developing it, with a clear goal for the future. And, since no one has stepped out to claim that they first created the Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise mix with the idea to make a fluffy family companion, there’s no way to know the origin of the breed itself. The Sichon remains a bit of a mystery, but thankfully even if we don’t know exactly where these pups came from, we do know that they are lovable and loyal companions. That’s all that matters.That said, it’s safe to assume that the Shichon shares the origin story with the majority of other designer dogs. The first litter was probably born somewhere in the United States in the last 20 to 30 years. And that’s only if you take designer dogs as your timeframe. If you are looking at all Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise mix in history, it’s certain you could find more of them much earlier than that. But, let’s stop sweating about this breed’s mysterious origins. There’s so much that we do know about them that is necessary to explore.Pedigree

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