Catfish
Catfish are a very varied group. There are catfish in almost every stream or river, pond or lake. They vary greatly in size, ranging from less then an inch long to over 5 feet.
Common Characteristics:
| Food: | Some carnivore, some herbivores. All need supplemental feeding, and should not be just considered clean up crew. |
| Breeding: | As varied as the animals themselves. Many plecos are harder due to their size, and some catfish such as many cories are very easy. |
| Water Parameters: | Plecos, and Corydoras mainly prefer 70-80 F water,
with a neutral to acidic soft quality. Synodontis prefer harder more alkaline waters. |
| Temperament: | Some are very unaggressive, while others will be the ruler of the tank. |
| Origins: | South America, North America, Asia, Africa |
| A Few Exceptions: | Rubber
Pleco: Likes cooler water. Should be housed with
smaller cool water schooling fish. Also quite aggressive with
its own kind. Common Pleco: A good algae eater, but watch out for the size. Plecos can and will reach 14 inches, if well fed. They do not eat aquarium detritus, and prefer vegetables and algae wafers. |
