Catfishes – A Must-Have For Any Aquarium

Catfishes are a must-have for any tropical aquarium. Not only do these bottom-feeders help keep the tank clean, but most are quite peaceful and can make good companions for many herbivorous fishes and inverts. These fascinating creatures are not only fun to watch, but their unique feeding habits can provide an excellent opportunity for aquarists to observe natural symbioses in the aquarium.

While the more well-known species like Corydoras are a must for any beginner tank, there are a number of other interesting and unusual catfishes to consider as additions to an aquarium. For example, the upside-down catfish (Hypancistrus zebra) is one of the most popular catfishes among both dedicated catfish enthusiasts and general aquarium aquarists. This fun, splotchy catfish is known for literally swimming upside-down to scavenge on the undersides of rock and plant leaves. It has a bushy face of barbels and dark-colored body to aid in camouflage while inverted. This fascinating aquarium oddball will thrive in a 30-gallon tank or larger with plenty of hardscape and areas to hide. The upside-down catfish primarily feeds on algae and detritus, but will also eat meatier foods such as bryozoans, non-shrimp crustaceans and insect larvae.

The loricariid catfishes are another highly appealing group that are gaining in popularity among both dedicated catfish enthusiasts and general aquarium enthusiasts. While the zebra pleco (Hypancistrus zebra) has long been a favorite, there are now many more members of this exciting family to choose from. The loricariids are generally vegetarian catfishes, but they can easily be fed protein-based diets as well. They will typically feed on algae, detritus and other plant matter, but will also eat moss animals and invertebrates. The zebra pleco has even been seen feeding on shrimp larvae!

Plecostomus catfishes (commonly called suckermouth catfish or plecos) are a great way to add natural beauty and activity to a large community aquarium. While they will graze on most any substrate, it is recommended that you include some floating plants in the tank for them to hide and rest upon. Like most freshwater catfish, a Plecostomus requires a balanced diet of both meaty and vegetable based foods. The best approach is to offer a variety of flakes, discs and sticks that are formulated for plecos, with a small amount of vegetable matter added. The addition of partially boiled vegetables such as zucchini is also beneficial, as the cellulose in them starts to breakdown during this process.

Most of the larger catfishes are omnivorous, but most prefer to eat the algae and dead plant material that accumulate in the aquarium. They can become territorial if overcrowded, so it is important to provide them with an adequate tank size and the proper tank set-up. Larger catfishes should be kept with similar-sized fish that are not likely to nibble on their whiskers or compete for food.

In general, all catfishes require a stable water quality with low ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels. It is a good idea to test the water quality of your aquarium regularly, as most freshwater cats are sensitive to sudden changes in water parameters.