There are fish that are interesting not only externally, but also in behavior. This can be safely attributed catfish adhered, which is also called somic-antsitrusy. These amusing creatures have a characteristic round muzzle-sucker, due to which they clean off the algae from the walls of the aquarium, which serve as its main food.
Catfish prilipaly are such aquarium fish that can not be confused with other individuals. In addition to the mouth-sucker with curved scrapers, the catfish has the following characteristic features:
- slightly tapered front teardrop-shaped body;
- large head;
- wide bone plates instead of the usual scales;
- in sharp thorns at the ends of the fins;
- a large dorsal fin in the form of a sail, which is constantly pressed against the calf;
- characteristic fins from fatty tissues.
In color, such fish often vary from gray light with yellow hues to completely black individuals. Sometimes there are somiks albinos with a pale color and not expressed yellowish inclusions.
Types of catfish
Experts note several characteristic species of catfish, each of which has certain characteristic features. Here you can distinguish:
- Gold albino . Catfish adherents often turn pale, becoming albinos, which are singled out as a separate species. Sometimes these albinos take a golden color, taking a truly magical and mesmerizing appearance. Such fish have gained popularity among real connoisseurs, being an excellent and exotic addition to the aquarium.
- Red ancystrus . This species has been stuck in artificial conditions in Germany. They have a characteristic color, close to orange or red. Because of the artificial appearance of the species, they have a fairly high cost. Specialists consider them to be another type of catfish of the ordinary prick, as the internal structure of the fish does not differ from most of the relatives.
- Ancistrus Claro . The homeland of this species of catfish is Brazil, as evidenced by the name in honor of the Claro River, where it was first discovered. The length of its body is about 8 cm. This adherent differs from the rest of the species in color, which varies from dark gray to black. Dark color is diluted by a large white speckle. Unlike his lazy relatives, he is active throughout the day.
- Star antsstrus . Homeland of this representative of the catfish was the great Amazon. Has a dark brown, or black color. Large white specks along the course of life of the individual gradually become brown, and the white frame of the fins on the back is transformed into small pale points with a dark border. The females are lighter and larger than males. In males, at the age of 7-10 months, skinlike growths begin to appear on the muzzle.
All catfish snake have the same pattern of reproduction. They lay eggs in the crevices between the stones, behind the filter, and sometimes inside it. Males guard the clusters of orange roe from females until larvae hatch. Within 6 months the fry is turned into full-grown adult catfish.
Contents of the catfish
Before you start an ancistrus, you need to understand what to feed the catfish stuck. To do this, the best are the tender green algae, which often cover the aquarium glass. You can carry out additional feeding: boiled leaves of nettle, cabbage, lettuce. These fish can easily adapt to living in any fresh water . The size of the catfish will directly depend on the volume of the aquarium - the larger the latter, the larger the fish will become with age. But, as a rule, aquariums containing 100 liters are prepared for them.
Catfish, with the exception of rare species, are usually not active during the day, and "come to life" either at night or when the atmospheric pressure changes. Therefore, they really need the aquarium to have a rich filling of objects - shelters, caves, pebbles, various plants. Males usually immediately occupy the best cave, where they rest and hide during the day.
Diseases of catfish adherent are associated with the ingress of gases into the stomach or poisoning with a korem of animal origin or chemistry. In general, these fish are quite unpretentious and extremely seldom sick.