Catfish

by Amy Tokic

Published: November 12th, 2013

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

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

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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Corydoras Catfish

Corydoras Catfish General Description The name Corydoras is given to species belonging to the armored catfish family within the subfamily Corydoradinae. Also known as cories or cory catfish, Corydoras catfish are generally docile fish that do well in a community setting. With their cute little “mustachios”, these fishes are a scaled-down, miniature version of a classic catfish. Being well known as an aquarium pet, the cory catfish can display a wide range of unique and fun patterns and colors. In optimal surroundings they showcase a great temperament and plenty of favorable features – all of which make them ideal aquarium fishes. These catfish are bottom feeders and they are best kept in groups with six or more of their own species. Corydoras catfish are generally docile fish that do well in a community setting. Origins Different species of Corydoras catfish can be found in different areas, but most are distributed throughout South America. These fish tend to inhabit quiet, slow moving waters where the bottom is heavily planted or covered with mud and detritus. This means that they are commonly found in small streams, marshlands, river margins, and ponds. These environments allow them to engage in bottom feeding along the murky waterbed, where they get necessary nutrients from the bottom deposits. Of course, this somewhat inhospitable natural environment allowed the corys to become hardy and resistant, and quite easy to thrive. And these attributes are perfectly transferred to their life as aquarium fish. Still, they do not do well in salt water, so keep that in mind. Color Corydoras catfish come in a variety of colors and patterns, though most exhibit some combination of black, gray, or brown in their coloration. Many Corydoras species exhibit spots or bars of color on their bodies and fins, though there are albino variations of several species as well. Their diverse coloration makes them quite a unique addition to any aquarium. In some cases, they can blend in perfectly with the bottom layers of sand, detritus, or silt. Then again, certain spotted color patterns can make them stand out easily. Either way, corys can be the true masters of aquarium camouflage, and it can take you quite a while to find them once they are hunkered down at the bottom. For those who love unique and mesmerizing patterns, bright colors, shimmering hues, and a unique presence in the tank, a Corydoras catfish can be the ideal addition to any setting. Maintenance and Care

Why Do My Betta Fish’s Fins Look Ripped?

Have you noticed a ragged or torn fin on your betta fish? Don’t panic! Ripped fins often look bad, but they are a common struggle betta fish keepers face.This guide will explore the potential causes of betta fin damage, from environmental stress to rough tank mates. I’ll also share treatment options to help your betta look and feel great again and preventative measures to reduce the risk of future problems.Why Do My Betta Fish’s Fins Look Torn?There are several reasons you may notice damage to a betta fish’s fins, all of which require your prompt attention. An actual tear, split, or bite is the result of a physical injury. However, one other condition is often confused with a tear – fin rot.This condition results from poor water quality and excess stress levels, weakening the fish’s immune system. It’s commonly seen in bettas that are adopted from a pet store setting due to the small containers they are kept in and the overstimulating environment. The most significant visual difference between fin rot and a torn fin is the presence of black, brown, red, or white edges to the fin. You may also see small fuzzy growths or white spots on the fin.If you suspect your fish is suffering from fin rot, you will need to act quickly, as the condition becomes more difficult to treat the more it progresses. This includes quarantining the fish if they are in a community tank, cleaning the tank to prevent further problems, careful maintenance of the hospital tank, and the use of medication for more severe cases.4 Common Causes of Torn FinsFin damage or tears result from physical damage. However, this damage could have occurred from several different causes. The first step in helping your betta recover is to identify what happened. Here are a few of the most common causes of torn fins in betta fish:Tank DecorationsTake a moment to look at the decorations in your betta’s tank or aquarium. Run your fingers along the edge and feel for sharp or rough surfaces. Items like fake plants, decorative sculptures, rocks, and driftwood can snag your fish’s delicate fins as they brush against it while swimming past. Additionally, other tank features like heaters and thermometers may develop sharp edges if they are older and have suffered some wear and tear.Rough Tank MatesBettas are commonly known as aggressors but aren’t the only fish species that can get rough with others. Occasionally, even species known to be gentle community fish can bully others in the same aquarium. In these situations, the damage results from the aggressor biting your betta’s fins.There are several reasons why your fish may become aggressive towards one another, including:Poor water conditions causing stressLack of space for the number of fishFood availabilityTerritorial behaviorsIllness or diseaseThe behavior may also result from pairing your betta fish with incompatible tank mates. Not all fish species can live together peacefully.Improper Water ConditionsBetta fish can become stressed quickly from changes to their water conditions, lowering their immune systems and putting them at risk of damage to their fins. This is the result of stress caused by their environment. Check the conditions of your aquarium, including lighting, temperature, and pH balance.Something as simple as allowing the water temperature to drop too low can trigger damaging behaviors. When experiencing cold temperatures, for example, betta fish will often try to burrow into the aquarium gravel as a survival mechanism. The gravel can easily damage their fins during this process.BoredomWe have all seen the small, decorative fish tanks often marketed to betta fish. While these can be found on the shelves of almost every big box pet store, they aren’t suitable for proper betta fish care. If this is the first time you are hearing this, don’t blame yourself – there is a lack of education in the pet space relating to a betta’s needs. You purchased a product marketed specifically for betta fish, which is a well-meaning decision.Unfortunately, these little tanks lack the space needed for your betta to swim around comfortably, leading to boredom and increased stress. As your betta struggles with this feeling of boredom, they may start to bite and damage their fins.Will Torn Betta Fins Grow Back?Yes! If your betta’s fin damage is the result of a tear or bite (not fin rot), it can heal. But first, you will need to identify the cause of the damage and make changes to the aquarium to prevent it from happening again.

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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Cat Learns to Turn on the Sink Faucet, Causing Cat-astrophic Flood

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How Do I Help A Dog Afraid of Car Rides?

Do you dream of travelling the world with your best friend by your side, but your dog turns into a nervous wreck every time you approach the car? If so, you’re not alone! Many dogs experience car anxiety to some degree, ranging from those who are slightly unsure of the vehicle to those who experience severe levels of stress. Luckily, there are options to manage your dog’s anxiety and even prevent it from happening in the future. In this article, we’ll explore various ways to improve your dog’s relationship with the car, from gradual desensitization to the use of calming treats and other products to make your next road trip easier for everyone! Is Driving Stressful for Dogs? Whether your dog finds car rides to be stressful will vary from dog to dog. Many pups are excited by simply hearing the phrase “car ride” and love sharing that experience with their human family members. However, for some dogs, the idea of getting into a vehicle instantly triggers feelings of stress and anxiety. As dog parents, the best thing we can do is pay careful attention to our dog's nonverbal communication and body language. Although dogs may not be able to speak English, they do a pretty good job of communicating how they are feeling if we know how to listen. How Do I Know if My Dog is Scared in the Car? Interpreting your dog’s body language often involves noting several different behaviors, as fear and anxiety can easily mimic excitement in many ways. For example, fearful dogs may whine when approaching a vehicle because they are afraid of getting into the car. However, approaching the same way with an excited dog may trigger a whine as they anticipate the fun ahead. Other aspects of their behavior, like their stance (standing tall and confident versus hunched low to the ground with their tail tucked), can help you better translate what your dog is trying to tell you.Some of the common signs that a dog is feeling afraid or anxious include: Excessive panting or yawning Licking the lips Whale eyes (showing the whites of the eyes)Large, dilated pupilsEars pressed forward or back against the headCowering or attempting to hideTail tucked between the legs or up and stuffShaking or tremblingSubmissive urinationStaring intently at the trigger Displacement behaviors like sneezing or itchingRefusal to take treats (even if they are typically food-driven)The most important thing to remember is that every dog is different. Your dog may display any combination of the symptoms listed above. No one knows your dog better than you. Trust your gut if you feel that something is off, even if it doesn’t fit the stereotypical fear response.

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