According to many researchers, silt fish is one of the most interesting representatives of the underwater kingdom. Without exaggeration, this creature can be called unique. Our article tells about the lifestyle, behavior and unique abilities of this fish.
Living fossil
Amia fish is the only representative of the Amoeiformes, preserved to this day. The detachment experienced its heyday in the Mesozoic. In other words, all relatives of silt fish became extinct tens and hundreds of millions of years ago.
Appearance
Fish living in silt can reach 75-90 cm in length. Cases are known when specimens weighing up to 5 kg become prey to fishermen. Most representatives of the species are somewhat smaller.
The body is elongated, acne-shaped. On the back there is a fin, which is a leathery outgrowth. The fish is painted in a dark olive color, only on the abdomen the skin is lighter. On the sides there are spots and stripes that help mask.
The mouth is large, dotted with sharp teeth. It is difficult to distinguish a male from a female; this can be done only by a spot with an orange border in the upper part of the tail. But this method does not give a 100% guarantee: some females may have a spot.
Accommodations
Fish leads a near-bottom lifestyle. She prefers silted areas with many floating plants. The habitat of silt fish is the Great Lakes of the USA and the reservoirs of the Mississippi River Basin. For a comfortable stay, this creature needs stagnant water or a very weak current.
Unusual feature
The functions of the swimming bladder in fish of different species are different. This organ plays the role of a kind of balancer and helps fish move in the water column. Some species use it for sound production.
But there is something to amaze scientists. The functions of the swimming bladder in fish living in silt are somewhat expanded. In dry times, he participates in respiration. Amia can live without water for a whole day, using air from this organ to produce oxygen.
It is worth noting that this ability is not unique. For example, some types of catfish can do without water. But among the representatives of fish, such skills are very rare. The vast majority of species do not know how to do anything like this.
Nutrition in nature
Silt fish is a predator. In its natural habitat, it preys on crustaceans, mollusks, small amphibians, insects, and small fish. Plant food is also present in the diet, but in modest quantities.
Fishing
An inexperienced fisherman whose hook caught a silt fish can mix it up with a pike, eel or catfish. However, upon closer inspection, the differences will become apparent.
This is not to say that ammonia is in great demand. Most often it is caught by those who arrived on the shores of American ponds for completely different prey.
In some regions, fish are considered a dangerous pest, because it mercilessly destroys all available animals. Her capture is organized in order to reduce the populations of the relict predator.
If nevertheless you happen to be in the habitats of this fish and want to hunt for it, arm yourself with the same gear that is necessary for catching pike. As bait, you can use pieces of an earthworm, a light-colored twister, a small spinner.
Amia in cooking
The reviews of those who happened to try the meat of silt fish are quite unanimous. They say that this is one of the worst options for fish dishes. Locals do not eat it, considering it absolutely unsuitable.
However, in some regions, its caviar is on sale. Many gourmets say that it is a bit like sturgeon and quite pleasant in taste. It is sold as a budget analogue of a more expensive product.
Aquarium Maintenance
Il fish and aquarists were not ignored. But the popularity of this species for breeders is extremely low. This is due to the mediocre decorative characteristics of the species and the high cost of maintaining the aquarium.
For one individual, a capacity of at least 1000 liters is needed. In order for such a large aquarium to function normally, it is necessary to equip it with quite expensive equipment: filters, a temperature regulator, an aerator, a system of partial draining and topping up water. It is quite difficult to take care of it yourself; in most cases, owners have to resort to the services of professional companies involved in aquarium systems.
They feed silt fish at home with crustaceans, mollusks, and insects. It is not recommended to give the meat of mammals and poultry, since ammonia is not able to digest the lipids contained in it. You can use frozen food: bloodworms, pieces of worms, zoophobus.
There is nothing complicated in content, the fish itself is unpretentious, but the process of caring for a large aquarium is quite laborious, and it takes a lot of time. However, rare connoisseurs who wish to settle an unusual prehistoric creature sometimes make a choice in favor of Amia.