Catfish Species for Aquariums

Catfish species are popular to many fish lovers for their aquariums. With so many various kinds of aquarium catfish to select from, we thought it made sense to create a listing of our favorites. Types of aquarium catfish are searched on the internet.

In this article, I am going to talk about catfish species for aquariums. By reading this, you will have an idea of the types of freshwater aquarium catfish.

There are benefits to proudly owning every one of the species beneath, so learn via to search out which appears to be perfect for you!

1. Pictus Catfish

Pictus Catfish have that iconic catfish “look.” They get to be about 5 inches lengthy and have a sequence of lengthy barbels rising out of their face. One pair is so lengthy that it may match their total size.

On the subject of coloration, Pictus Catfish tackle a more monochromatic look. They’re not brown or tan like different species. As an alternative, its base color is gentle gray. That is accompanied by spots of black or darkish gray.

Pictus Catfish are pure omnivores that require a pleasant supply of protein to remain healthy. Whereas they’ll eat algae and plant detritus like many different sorts of catfish, dwell meals and pellets are a should.

As a result of they like protein, you’ll need to watch out about retaining them with smaller fish species they will goal for meals.

The excellent news is that Pictus Catfish aren’t aggressive or troublesome to take care of. They get alongside simply tremendous with different similarly-sized fish. Plus, they’re hardy sufficient to thrive in fundamental water parameters.

By way of color, these freshwater aquarium catfish can are available in a spectrum of shades starting from shimmering iridescent white to darkish black. Although, most might be lined in shades of brown to make camouflaging a lot simpler.

A 10-gallon tank is required for smaller Cory Catfish species. Although, a 20 to 30-gallon tank is most popular. That is very true if you plan on retaining teams or making a multi-species community tank.

These catfish want a lush atmosphere full of plants and decor. They thrive in hotter waters between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The pH balance of the water ought to between 6.0 and 8.0 relying on the species.

2. Cory Catfish

Additionally known as Corydoras, Cory Catfish, one of the types of aquarium catfish, make up a genus that features greater than 165 distinct species, as well as one of the popular catfish species for aquariums.

The identity “Cory Catfish” is used as a catch-all term to describe these unique fish. Nonetheless, every species is exclusive and comes with its personal set of personality and look quirks!

For essentially the most half, Cory Catfish are straightforward to take care of. They’re fairly hardy and don’t get very giant in any respect, making them a wonderful selection for novice and seasoned aquarists alike.

The look can vary dramatically throughout the species, however, most will only get to be between 1 and

3. Glass Catfish

Glass Catfish are appropriately named for his or her clear appearance. Like Glass Shrimp, this catfish has a body that’s virtually utterly clear. You may particular person bones and organs, making them an attention-grabbing fish to study.

When absolutely grown, Glass Catfish are often Four to six inches lengthy. You’ll need a bigger tank to maintain them joyful. At the very least, they require a 30-gallon tank. Nonetheless, greater is all the time higher with this fish.

These are schooling catfish that do finest in teams of at least 5. When saved in bigger teams, they will really feel more confident and secure. In consequence, they’ll spend more time out of hiding!

One other cool factor about Glass Catfish is that they’re not backside dwellers like different catfish species. They don’t have any downside swimming all through the center of the water column.

These aquarium catfish can live as much as eight years. They aren’t too troublesome to care for. Although they do require some strict water parameters. Water needs to be between 75 and 80 levels with a pH of 6.5.

4. Striped Raphael Catfish

The Striped Raphael Catfish is full of living species that’s been identified to put on a show, , as well as one of the popular catfish species for aquariums.

Whereas they follow the underside of the water column like different catfish, these creatures are playful by nature and like to spend time exploring their atmosphere.

Regardless of their muted coloration, Striped Raphael Catfish stand out fairly a bit. Due to their daring horizontal stripes, they will be missed in your tank. Pair that with their rayed fins and you’ve got the makings of a beautiful fish.

Don’t let their docile nature fool you! These fish can do plenty of harm with their sharp fins. They’re notorious for getting caught in nets. If they’re consumed by bigger fish, they will even get lodged within the predator’s throat!

When mature, Striped Raphael Catfish can attain lengths as much as 9.Four inches. Although, that often only occurs when they’re saved in giant tanks. Most will keep in the neighborhood of 6 inches lengthy.

A large 50-gallon tank is required to stave off stress and disease. Waters needs to be kept between 75 and 80 levels with a pH balance of roughly 6.5 to 7.5.

5. Bumblebee Catfish

Reaching lengths of solely 3 inches, the Bumblebee Catfish is ideal for small to medium-sized tanks. They thrive in 20-gallon tanks with loads of house to roam. Regardless of their small stature, these aren’t fish that mix into the background.

Aptly named for the vivid stripes that run alongside their body, the Bumblebee Catfish is a stupendous fish species. Many specimens have alternating body colors of brilliant yellow and black. Others have extra muted tones of tan and brown, however, that doesn’t take away from their beauty.

For essentially the most half, taking good care of Bumblee Catfish isn’t a problem. These are hardy fish that do effectively in most traditional aquarium setups. So long as the temperatures are between 70 and 77 degrees and the water is impartial, you shouldn’t encounter any problems!

Like most sorts of aquarium catfish, this species prefers environments wealthy with plants and decor. They love hiding out between driftwoods, rocks, and vegetation.

6. Clown Pleco

Helming from Venezuela and Colombia, the Clown Catfish is a small species that not often get bigger than Four inches in size, as well as one of the popular catfish species for aquariums.

They have that traditional catfish profile. This includes a big head, downturned mouth, and expansive dorsal fin.

What’s distinctive in regards to the Clown Catfish is its coloration. The bottom of the fish is darkish black. Nonetheless, a number of skinny stripes of yellow or orange cowl your complete physique. The colors are actually eye-popping and can be a nice indicator of the general well being of the fish.

Driftwood is a should for these catfish. They chow down on the wooden and feed off of any algae which might be current. After they’re not consuming, the driftwood might be their secure haven.

General, Clown Catfish are mellow and easy-going. They don’t have any issues with different fish and can usually retreat at any potential signal of hazard. The one exceptions are male Clown Catfish. These guys are inclined to get territorial when multiple are saved in the identical tank.

7. Asian Stone Catfish

Asian Stone Catfish is one of the many smallest aquarium catfish species you will get. They attain lengths of just one.3 inches. Thus, all you want is a small 10-gallon tank to maintain them wholesome. To make issues even simpler, these catfish are very mellow and inactive.

Hailing from India and Bangladesh, these catfish are present in slow-moving streams. They like temperatures between 64 and 75 levels. The pH steadiness of the habitat needs to be around 5.6 and 7.6.

Whereas they could be relaxed and mellow, the Asian Stone Catfish has some standout seems. They’re very distinctive fish with giant fins, lengthy barbels, and a few distinctive colorations.

The body of the catfish is roofed in splotches of brown, white, and gray. They mix in very effectively with rocks, therefore they identify. The exact coloration and sample of the fish vary dramatically. However, all specimens have a texturized look that may make them exhausting to identify amongst rock decor.

8. Tiger Shovelnose Catfish

The Tiger Shovelnose Catfish is an expert-only catfish that comes from South America. They’re a giant problem to care for, so we don’t suggest them for novices or informal hobbyists. With a lifespan of 18 to 25 years, retaining these catfish wholesome is a large dedication.

One of the many greatest challenges is solely discovering a house for them to dwell in. They attain lengths of two.5 and three ft in captivity. Adults will want greater than 250 gallons of space to really thrive. They’re very energetic as effectively, so having that house is essential.

From an appearance standpoint, these fish are lovely. Their bodies are lined in a lightweight brown hue. Stripes of black create a definite puzzle-like sample. These freshwater catfish have very giant heads. Their snouts are flat and elongated, creating that shovel-like look from their name.

One other problem homeowners face is offering them fitting meals. Whereas they are going to eat plants here and there, protein is essential. They feed on small fish and crustaceans within the wild. In captivity, they will eat worms, large pellets, and items of raw fish.

9. Upside Down Catfish

This quirky catfish species is an attention-grabbing one to observe! As their identity would suggest, the Upsidedown Catfish spends most of its time swimming with its stomach up! It is a distinctive evolutionary trait that helps the catfish feed on algae discovered on the underside of plant leaves and rocks.

There’s no want to fret about this behavior. Whereas upsidedown swimming is often a trigger for concern with different species, it’s utterly regular with these aquarium catfish. Interestingly sufficient, there aren’t any organic variations to elucidate the odd swimming pattern. It’s simply something they like to do!

The fish get to be about Three to Four inches in measurement. They’re usually lined in splotches of brown and tan. Their bellies are additionally dark, which is a definite trait not generally discovered with fish. It’s believed that the darkish coloration helps them mix in higher when they’re swimming upsidedown.

To maintain the Upsidedown Catfish wholesome, you’ll need a 30-gallon tank. The water temperature needs to be within the neighborhood of 72 to 82 levels with a pH steadiness of 6.zero to 7.5.

10. Chinese Algae Eater

Chinese Algae Eaters include a little bit of a sordid reputation, as well as one of the popular catfish species for aquariums. They’ve been identified to exhibit some aggressive behavior. Nonetheless, this conduct is often a product of stress and overcrowding!

These catfish get to be as much as 11 inches lengthy. They do tremendous in a 30-gallon tank. Nonetheless, in the event you plan on retaining other fish with the Chinese Algae Eater, you’re going to wish a lot greater tank!

Chinese Algae Eaters can get a bit territorial. They’re robust sufficient to guard themselves when one other fish encroaches on their house. In consequence, many house owners maintain them with semi-aggressive fish.

As long as you’ve loads of house, you shouldn’t have to fret about preventing. One of the best tank mates for Chinese Algae Eaters are species that follow the higher components of the water column. These aquarium catfish are bottom-dwellers that feed on algae and lifeless plant matter so they’ll not often venture to the waters above.

11. Redtail Catfish

The Redtail Catfish is one other species that solely seasoned aquarists ought to try and take care of. These catfish are very demanding and may be fairly difficult to maintain health in the event you’re not properly outfitted.

When they’re absolutely grown, these fish can attain lengths of Four ft. They’re completely huge and really energetic. The minimal tank measurement for these fish is 1,000 gallons! Nonetheless, most consultants suggest nearer to 2,000.

Something smaller will make them really feel cramped, which might result in stress and illness. As for water parameters, the catfish aren’t too choosy. They do the finest in temperatures between 68 and 80 levels. A pH steadiness beneath 7.0 is recommended as well.

You probably have the house and know-how to maintain these fish, it may be fairly rewarding. They’re lovely fish that have color patterns harking back to Koi. Their bodies are covered in large sections of white and black. After all, you can’t overlook the long-lasting red tail.

The Redtail Catfish may be aggressive. They’re predatory creatures that may eat smaller fish and crustaceans. It’s possible you’ll even see them chewing on rocks and driftwood!

12. Otocinclus

Lovingly known as “dwarf suckers” or “otos,” the Otocinclus Catfish is a well-liked fish within the aquarium group, as well as one of the popular catfish species for aquariums.

Reaching lengths of solely 2 inches lengthy, they’re tiny creatures that may do rather a lot to maintain your tank in good condition. There are just a few totally different species included within the larger Otocinclus family.

These aquarium catfish spend most of their day scavenging for meals. They’re some of the finest algae eaters you will get. You may often see them clinging to the side of the tank consuming algae or feasting on plant detritus. After they’re not doing that, they are going to be searching for something to snack on within the substrate.

Peaceful by nature, the Otocinclus Catfish is usually a bit timid. They’ll spend plenty of time hiding close to plants and decor when not eating.

Due to their small size, a bunch of those catfish can do effectively in a 10-gallon tank. They like warmer waters with a relatively impartial pH balance.

13. Bristlenose Pleco

The Bristlenose Pleco is another catfish species that may work hard to maintain algae levels under control. These fish have a healthy urge for food for all sorts of aquarium algae and can spend most of their time cleansing driftwood, rocks, and glass surfaces.

Fortunately, they’re well-equipped for the job. Like most freshwater catfish, Bristlenose Plecos have a downturned mouth. It creates sturdy suction that’s excellent for clinging onto algae-covered surfaces.

Growing from their mouths is a number of barbels. Maybe the most identifying trait of the fish, these barbels are far more pronounced than they’re on different catfish species. They grow in giant numbers, even sprouting from the highest of their head!

Bristlenose Plecos get about Three to five inches lengthy. Whereas not the largest aquarium catfish round, they nonetheless want loads of room to swim around. A 25-gallon tank is recommended.

The fish are very hardy and might adapt effectively to many environments. They do finest in waters which might be between 60 and 80 levels.

14. Twig Catfish

As you can most likely guess from their identity, Twig Catfish are masters of disguise. They seem like sunken tree branches. Their bodies are long and thin. Plus, they’ve elongated flat snouts.

Pair that with their brown coloration and it’s straightforward to mistake these catfish for easy twigs. Most specimens have darkish brown stripes or splotches. Their fins are relatively small, too, which additional cement that twig-like profile.

These catfish get to be around 6 inches lengthy when absolutely grown. Nonetheless, they will solely attain these lengths when saved in a well-maintained atmosphere. Twig Catfish is usually a bit troublesome to take care of.

Sustaining good water high quality is paramount. They’re delicate to ammonia and nitrates so that you’ll want to check usually and spend money on a robust filtration system. They like temperatures between 73 and 76 levels. The pH ranges within the tank need to be around 6.5 to 7.5 as effectively.

15. Gold Nugget Pleco

There’s little question that you’ve seen a Gold Nugget Pleco sooner or later, as well as one of the popular catfish species for aquariums.

These catfish are extremely widespread within aquarium commerce. That is thanks, largely, to their gorgeous beauty.

The bottom color of the Gold Nugget Pleco is black. Nonetheless, brilliant yellow spots cowl your complete physique. The spots are accompanied by thick stripes on the dorsal and caudal fin. They’ll get fairly giant, reaching lengths of 9 inches.

General, these catfish are peaceable. Although, they will get territorial in tight quarters. It’s beneficial that you just use a tank that may maintain at least 50 gallons to stop fighting.

Gold Nugget Pleco are solitary creatures that aren’t too keen on the firm. They’ve been identified to get harassed within the presence of different catfish. This may result in some aggressive conduct.

Fortunately, that same behavior doesn’t apply to fish that occupy different parts of the water column. They do exactly fine with peaceful fish like Guppies, Goldfish, or any other.

I hope this article on popular catfish species for aquariums was a good read.

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