Aquarium Tips for Tropical Fish

Aquarium Catfish Care

Catfish are quite different from other fish and in regards to there care and health are quite unique. They are not an uncommon fish and can be good for a freshwater aquarium. If you have ever seen a catfish then you probably know where they got there name from. They have one distinguishing feature called barbells which look like cats whiskers hence the name catfish. Another distinguishing difference between catfish and other fish is the fact that catfish have no scales. Another feature is a stinging protection weapon in the tale which it uses if in danger or irritated.

There are different types of catfish but the most common found in aquariums is called the armoured catfish. Catfish can grow quite large but the armoured catfish is smaller in size than other varieties and is a welcome addition to an aquarium. Before setting up your aquarium you should decide which type of fish to keep. The type of fish you will keep dictates on what type of gravel or sand (substrate) you use as well as the water PH and temperature. Armoured catfish will forage for food within the substrate so require a soft material on the bottom of the tank. Catfish are not happy in light and feel a lot more secure if there are plenty of hiding places and caves to hide in.

Bottom feeders like catfish require a type of food that will settle on the bottom of the tank but apart from this the care of catfish does not vary too much from other fish. A neutral Ph is required and the water temperature should be about seventy five to eighty degrees not any different from a lot of other fish so they can mix with others and not have any great problems.

Catfish can be quite funny and are very entertaining to watch. But catfish behaviour depends on the type of catfish you house in your aquarium. Some types lead a lonely life and shun there neighbours while other like to live in groups or schools. Housing catfish with other fish can be a good thing because the catfish shelters on the bottom and in hideouts while other fish like open water and live higher up the tank. But in general they have no problems with other fish. One fish they can have a problem with are Cichlids which are quite territorial and usually want the whole tank to themselves.

Like a lot of other fish catfish are predators so consideration has to be given to the size of fish that is housed with them. They get on with other fish but will attack and feed on small fish. They should be fed either at night or late in the day because they are nocturnal. If housed with other fish feeding times will have to be varied to accommodate the other fish. When housing the many different species of armoured cat fish you will have lots of enjoyment watching the antics of these colourful and amusing fish. Normal maintenance should be carried out on your tank. Changing the water on a scheduled regular basis as well as cleaning the tank and filters will ensure your fish are healthy and lively and can give you years of amusement and enjoyment.