| Catfish are common fish found in freshwater | | | | not be a major concern when you add your |
| aquariums. Catfish are very unique and differ | | | | catfish. |
| from other fish in regards to their health and care. | | | | Catfish are known to be somewhat goofy and |
| The most distinguishing feature of a catfish is the | | | | comical, but this may depend on the species of |
| prominent "barbells", which look like whiskers on a | | | | catfish you have. Their behavior will vary, but as |
| cat, hence giving these one of a kind fish their | | | | a whole, the catfish is an entertaining addition to |
| name. The other thing that set catfish apart from | | | | an aquarium. There are group and schooling |
| any other fish is the fact that they have no | | | | catfish that get along well with each other. There |
| scales. They also possess a strong, hollow ray on | | | | are also loners who always stay away from their |
| their fins that a stinging protein can be emitted | | | | neighbors. Catfishes are the ideal candidates for |
| from if the fish is irritated or in danger. | | | | community tanks because they inhabit niches and |
| The most common catfish found in aquariums are | | | | shelters on the bottom not occupied by other |
| the armored catfish. This group is smaller in size | | | | aquarium inhabitants. They generally get along well |
| than other types of catfish and make a great | | | | with all types of fish. Only in combination with |
| addition to an aquarium. When you are setting up | | | | some larger Cichlids can there be a problem as |
| your tank initially, it is best to decide then whether | | | | the Cichlids tend to extend their territorial claim to |
| you are going to house catfish. Your decision will | | | | the entire tank. |
| impact the type of gravel or sand you will use as | | | | The one thing to consider before adding a catfish |
| well as the pH of the water within the tank. | | | | to your existing aquarium set-up is the size of the |
| Armored catfish prefer soft bottom material | | | | other fish. While catfish generally get along with |
| because they forage for food within the | | | | most fish, they are a predator and will attack and |
| substrate. Catfish feel more secure when they | | | | feed on smaller fish. Catfish are also nocturnal, |
| are hidden from the light, so be sure to have | | | | and should be fed later in the day or at night. You |
| caves and hiding places for this type of fish. | | | | may have to adjust the feeding times depending |
| Overall, the care of catfish does not vary from | | | | on what your schedule is now and what other |
| caring for your other fish. You should try to | | | | types of fish inhabit the tank. With the number of |
| include a food that will settle on the bottom of | | | | species of Armored catfish, you will be sure to |
| the tank as these fish are bottom feeders. The | | | | have a colorful and amusing aquarium with the |
| water should have a temperature in the middle to | | | | addition of these comical fish. As with all fish, be |
| upper seventies and the pH should be neutral. This | | | | sure to keep the aquarium clean and healthy so |
| is usually the same set up and water balance you | | | | as to ensure the health of the fish as well as your |
| will use to house other fish as well, so it should | | | | enjoyment for years to come. |