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