There are fish in the world that are interesting not only for their appearance, but also for their behavior. They can be safely attributed to catfish adhering (catfish-antitrus). These creatures have a round interesting muzzle-suction cup, due to which they clean the adhering algae that serve as their main food from the walls of the aquarium.
Aquarium catfish sticky are fish that cannot be confused with any other species. In addition to the suction cup, catfish has such characteristic features as:
- big head ;
- teardrop-shaped body, slightly flattened in front;
- instead of the usual scales, bone wide plates;
- a large dorsal fin in the form of a sail, which is always pressed to the body;
- sharp spikes at the tips of the fins;
- characteristic fins created from adipose tissue.
The color of these fish range from faded gray with yellow spots to completely black. Albino fish with a very pale color, as well as yellowish unexpressed inclusions, are also found periodically.
Kinds
The aquarium fish catfish stuck is very interesting for all lovers of the underwater world. Specialists distinguish several species, each of which has certain characteristic features.
Red Antsistrus
This species of fish was bred in artificial reservoirs in Germany. Such catfish adhered has a characteristic color, which is close to orange. Fish of this species have a high cost.
Albino golden
Somiki sticks very often turn pale, while becoming albinos. They stand out in a separate form. Periodically, albinos are painted in golden color, taking a truly bewitching look. These fish were able to gain popularity among connoisseurs, as they can become an exotic and magnificent addition to each aquarium.
Antsistrus is stellate
The native land of this species is the great Amazon River. Such catfish adhered has a dark brown or black color. Large white dots gradually turn brown over time, while the white framing of the fins transforms into small pale dots with a dark shade frame. Females are larger and lighter than males. At 10 months, growths of skin begin to appear on the muzzle of males.
Antsistrus Claro
Brazil is considered the birthplace of this species of catfish, their name says about it, which was obtained in honor of the Claro River. This catfish adhered has a body length of 8 centimeters. It differs from other species in its color, ranging from gray to deep black. Large white specks dilute the dark color. Representatives of this species are active throughout the day, unlike their more passive relatives.
Somiki stuck: breeding
Representatives of all types of antitrus have the same reproduction pattern. They lay their eggs in various crevices: behind the filter, between stones, etc. Males guard clusters of eggs from females until larvae are born. Within six months, the fry turn into full-fledged adult catfish.
Content
Somik stuck very picky in food. Before you start it, you need to understand how to feed this fish. So, green tender algae covering the glass of aquariums is best suited. You can also feed, for which you should boil the leaves of cabbage, lettuce, nettle. These fish can easily adapt to life in fresh water. Moreover, the size of each individual will depend on the total volume of the aquarium - the larger the latter, the larger the fish will be larger with age. Although, basically, containers are prepared for them, containing about a hundred liters.
Fishes, with rare exceptions, are usually inactive during the day, they "come to life" at night, as well as when pressure changes. Therefore, they need the aquarium to be filled with various objects - caves, shelters, pebbles, all kinds of plants. Usually, males immediately occupy the best cave, where they hide and rest during the day.
Disease
Diseases of these fish are associated with the occurrence of gases, as well as food poisoning. These fish are generally distinguished by good health and are quite unpretentious to the conditions of detention. Perhaps that is why they are so much loved by many both domestic and foreign aquarists.