Flathead catfish family (Pimelodidae).

Paddlefish catfish lives in freshwater rivers with strong currents in Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia and Peru.

The paddlefish catfish and elongated cylindrical body, flat on the sides in the area of ​​the caudal peduncle. Snout long, flat and slightly rounded at the tip. Wide mouth is decorated with three pairs of long mustache (one top and two bottom jaw) located forward. The eyes are large. All fins pointed, forked tail with only the lower part of the round. The main body color paddlefish catfish gray-silvery olive shade and dark longitudinal stripes: one runs from the tip of the snout, through the eye and ends on the lower lobe of the caudal fin, the other runs along the back. The trunk between yellow, white belly. Sex differences: the male mustache and short fins; female - paler and more fully male. Under natural conditions, paddlefish catfish grow to 60 cm, in the aquarium of not more than 45 cm. Because of this, in a common aquarium plant only juveniles. Paddlefish catfish (sorubium paddlefish, platypus Som) in the aquarium Microraptor, hunts for small fish. Sedentary activity shows at night (especially when feeding). Keep better flock (2-3 fish) with fish of the same size (cichlids, angelfish, Hypostomus Plecostomus, large characins). Keeps in the lower layers of water. She likes to lay down his head. To keep paddlefish catfish need a long and closed tank capacity of 200 liters (to fish up to 25 cm - 150 liters) with low levels of water. For this fish require different shelter (driftwood, caves), that was where to hide during the day, pfhjcns plants (well anchored in the soil, including swimming), as well as space for swimming. Grunt - pebble. Lights dim. Parameters water content paddlefish catfish: the rigidity of up to 20 °, pH 6.5-7.5, temperature 23 - 28 ° C. In sharp fluctuations in water temperature with fish skin starts peeling off! The need for strong filtering (loves clean water), aeration and weekly for artificial substitution of up to 30% of water. Fed paddlefish catfish (sorubiuma paddlefish, catfish platypus) in the dark. Vyddae prefer live food: bloodworm, koretra, earthworms, small fish, meat, shrimp, beef heart, but do not give up and dry. Raising catfish paddlefish is not fully understood.

Flathead catfish family (Pimelodidae).

Homeland chervonohvostovogo catfish is South America, the Amazon basin. This fish desired object for lovers of big fish, as well as for public aquariums, since attracted the attention of visitors. At home, in Brazil and Colombia, this fish is called pirarara. Catfish appreciated primarily as a food product (especially bred), despite the fact that the dark meat.

Chervonohvosty catfish (chervonohvosty fraktotsefalus catfish orinoksky) is a very good fish with a long torso, large flat head and eyes and a wide mouth with three pairs of mustache, two in the lower jaw and one on the top (two pairs of whiskers in the long fish). It has a short, well-developed adipose fin. Painted very interesting fish - in black and white. The color of the caudal fin varies from orange to red. In vivo chervonohvosty catfish can reach 120 cm, in the aquarium - much less. It grows very quickly. Chervonohvosty catfish is a predator, and is nocturnal. The aquarium is advisable to keep his friend. If, however, you decide that one little fish, then pay attention to the fact that it can get along with just extra large sizes. Chervononohvosty fraktotsefalus well tamed. Keep chervonohvostogo catfish (chervonohvostogo fraktotsefalus, catfish orinokskogo) should be in the tank capacity of 300 liters with subdued lighting. For coarse gravel soil is taken. In the aquarium should not be plants, driftwood and large stones (catfish they could break the glass). If you decide to add to your aquarium any decorative elements, they must be well fixed. Water parameters: the stiffness of 4-12 °, pH 5.5-7.0, temperature 22 - 26 ° C. The need for a strong filtration, aeration and weekly substitution of up to 20% of water. Chervonohvosty catfish (chervonohvosty fraktotsefalus catfish orinoksky) are very greedy. It seeks to eat everything that can fit in his mouth. Consumes live food: meat and fish fillets, worms, beef heart, frozen and dry food. Breeding chervonohvostogo catfish (chervonohvostogo fraktotsefalus, catfish orinokskogo) at home is not mastered.

Flathead catfish family (Pimelodidae).

Homeland zebra mikroglanisa is South America: Venezuela, Colombia and ponds.

Zebra mikroglanis - small fish 5-7 centimeters long, golden brown with four transverse broad stripes of dark coffee color. It is also called Harlequin and bullhead catfish, a bee by the appearance and habits of stray into a flock, like a swarm of bees. Males are smaller and slimmer than females. Parameters water content zebra mikroglanisa temperature 24-26 ° C, 12 ° stiffness and kislotnisti 6.5-7.5. Necessary filtering, aeration of water in aquarium. Also recommended weekly water changes in the aquarium up to 30% of the total. Zebra mikroglanis consumes different food (eg chironomids, oligochaetes, caddisflies (caddis - eng.), Small "maggots"). For spawning zebra mikroglanisa requires the following conditions: running softened water, poor lighting and a variety of shelters. Tank should be of the "trough" and have a volume of at least 60 liters. The female lays more than 100 eggs. At the age of 1.5 years, they reach sexual maturity.

Flathead catfish family (Pimelodidae).

Homeland painted pimelodusa or pimelodusa angel are the rivers of South America (Peru, Colombia). A very popular fish in our tanks. In Russia in large numbers it was introduced in 1993.

The body is painted or pimelodusa pimelodusa angel stretched and high. The dorsal fin is high, triangular in shape. It has two pairs of short mustache and a long, located on the upper lip. They allow fishes to find food even in muddy water. Antennae - a barometer of health catfish. If they are twisted or placed along the body, it says that the fish got sick and needs to be treated urgently. Caudal dvuhlopasny, with a large cut. The main body color painted pimelodusa or pimelodusa angel silver with black spots slightly rounded shape. Fins Fish also completely covered with the same spots. The first rays of the pectoral fins have strong and sharp spines that can inflict a painful injury during transplantation of fish, so we need a special net. Sex differences: females are larger than males, have developed abdomen. The length of painted or pimelodus pimelodus angel can reach up to 16 cm. Painted pimelodus or pimelodus angel nice decoration for any aquarium. It is peaceful and unpretentious fish. The activity begins to show at dusk, but when you get used to the conditions in the aquarium, then watch them sometimes possible during the day. Painted pimelodus or pimelodus angel gets on with various types of fish. Keep preferably in the pack, but you can own. They live in the lower layers of water. Keep painted pimelodusa or pimelodusa angel is not difficult. For this you need a tank capacity of 100 liters with plants and various shelters (natural driftwood, caves of stones, etc.). He prefers soft lighting. Water parameters for the maintenance of painted or pimelodusa pimelodusa angel: stiffness 6-15 °, pH 5.8-7.5, temperature 22 - 27 ° C the necessary filtering, aeration and weekly substitution of up to 30% of water. If unfavorable conditions in the aquarium can get sick (fin rot and fungus develops on the gills and mustache). Painted pimelodus or pimelodus Angel prefers live food but will not give up and dry vegetation. The food collected from the bottom. Breeding painted pimelodusa or pimelodusa angel at home completely mastered. Fish imported from South America and it has a seasonal character.