Nowadays, many aquarists have a pet called the Shterba corridor - a small armored catfish from the Callicht family. This unusual fish, whose homeland is Brazil, is found in nature in many fresh waters of South America.
Appearance
The first thing that catches your eye is the coloring and bizarre shape of the catfish. Many types of aquarium fish are able to impress with their amazing beauty and original colors. But the corridor is especially distinguished among them. Unlike other fish of this species, it is the smallest - its length does not exceed 8 cm. The body has a round shape and gradually narrows to the caudal fin. In this case, the abdomen remains flat.
The color of the catfish is rather unusual - on a dark brown background scattered white with a cream tint spots of approximately the same size, but completely different in shape. The pattern is linear on the sides and chaotically on the back and head. The most expressive fins (bright orange) are on the abdomen and breast. They look transparent, but they also show a bitmap.
The tail is divided into two blades. Near the mouth there are a number of mustaches, playing the role of receptors. They really help the catfish in search of food.
It is not difficult to distinguish fish by gender. Males are smaller and more elegant. Females have a pronounced round belly.
Home Content
The Shterba corridor is a herd of fish. To get these inhabitants in the aquarium, it is recommended to purchase from 5 to 10 individuals at once. They work well together and get along harmoniously with each other.
Another feature of catfish is that they are bottom fish. It is important to ensure that the aquarium has a large bottom area, wide enough, can be elongated (about 70 cm). This contributes to the normal functioning of pets. The height does not matter much, but the catfish will feel much better in the lower aquarium. Volume - not less than 50 liters. As young animals appear, it is better to increase it, since this species of fish is very active, they need enough space to walk around.
For the inhabitants of warm waters, the corresponding temperature is of great importance. Optimal - 28 ⁰. Acidity is 6-7pH, although slight variations are acceptable. Avoid salt, any chemistry or medication in the water - the Shterba corridor is very sensitive to such substances.
Since these are bottom fish, they spend most of their lives digging in the ground and looking for food. Therefore, fine gravel, pebbles or sand is best poured to the bottom.
For comfort, aquarium catfish need vegetation with wide leaves (echinodorus, anubias), well fortified in advance, otherwise it can be dug by energetic inhabitants. All kinds of scenery will serve as a shelter from the fish that live in the neighborhood. Free areas of the bottom will allow these fun, amusing inhabitants of the aquarium to take a walk.
For breathing, the catfish uses not only the gills, but also the intestines, therefore it swims to the surface of the water, breathing atmospheric oxygen. This common occurrence should not cause feelings. Nevertheless, aeration is still necessary.
Water requirements
Quite sharply reacts to various changes in the composition of the habitat of the Sterba corridor. Keeping these fish in the aquarium requires constant monitoring of the condition of the water. If it becomes unsuitable, the fish swim to the vegetation that has reached the surface, and begin to capture air. In this way, they tell the owner that the percentage of oxygen has decreased and it is time to change the water, siphon the bottom and rinse the filter.
When you have to move the fish to another aquarium, you need to transfer them very carefully, after creating acceptable conditions in a new habitat.
Feeding
Like many types of aquarium fish, catfish are very unpretentious in food. They gladly eat small crustaceans, worms, as well as dry food and plants. You need to make sure that there is always something to eat at the bottom. If there are roommates nearby, they can get ahead. In this case, sinking granules will come to the rescue.
Compatibility
In wildlife, armored catfish live in packs. They have a calm, peaceful disposition. The same behavior persists at home.
Good neighbors will be Pecilia, hospitals, debriefings. Corridors can be a little harmful by eating fry and eggs of other fish. Therefore, at the time of spawning, they are sent to a separate tank. The main thing is to avoid combining with bottom predatory fish (cichlids, swordsmen) that can attack catfish. But if necessary, he is able to stand up for himself (thanks to the sharp spikes that the Shterba corridor has).
Breeding
To obtain offspring will need a separate tank. Spawning is stimulated by water change (50%) every day with a decrease in its temperature by several degrees and abundant feeding of live food. Several males are planted on one female rounded from the roe. About a day later, spawning begins.
The result depends on the age of the female and the habitat. At one time, she can lay 30 to 200 eggs. At the end of the process, participants return home. Eggs are incubated for up to 7 days. Acceptable temperature - 25-26 ⁰. The fry will swim in two days. Initially, they feed on micro-feed, ciliates. Later, Artemia larvae are suitable for this. Mature fry become only after a year.
In good conditions, the catfish of the Shterba corridor is able to live about eight years, delivering a sea of positive emotions to its owner!