Fishes are a vast group of aquatic creatures; the mere number of species now known on earth amounts to tens of thousands. And every year, scientists discover and describe up to five hundred new species. Among such living organisms, loachweed are a family that unites in its ranks freshwater small fish with increased ability to intestinal and skin respiration. Due to this feature, these living organisms have the ability to exist in an aquatic environment that is very poor in oxygen. The smallest representative of the family is pinch fish. Such creatures usually do not grow more than 10 cm in length. Moreover, these are only females, males, as a rule, are even smaller.
Description
The vital activity of such representatives of the aquatic fauna is carried out in fresh lakes and rivers. Prefer fish to stay at the bottom rich in silt and sand. And since these creatures have a long, narrow and flexible body, from the outside they are very similar to water snakes or lizards running on soft ground. And at the slightest danger, fish plucking tends to hide as quickly as possible in its saving bowels, burrowing in the sand.
The color of these representatives of the aquatic fauna is not the brightest, but motley. It is a pattern of an abundance of dark small spots scattered on a brown, light yellow or unpretentious gray background. Features of the color gamut usually directly depend on the environment where such fish live. Nature made sure that their colors merged with the bottom of the reservoirs where they live, making them invisible to the enemy's eye. The fins are usually light gray in color, some of them are covered with dark spots and stripes. Complementing the description of fish, plucking photos, where all its features are clearly visible.
About the title
Some details of the appearance of such creatures would be nice to consider in more detail. Under the small eyes of these fish on the gill covers a pair of bifid spines can be distinguished. And it was they who gave rise to the name, consonant with the word "pinching". These devices have an interesting property, as they are endowed with protective functions. In case of danger, the spikes spontaneously advance and are quite able to injure enemies and offenders.
Among other noteworthy details of the appearance of the plucking fish (the photo shows this), six small antennae are located near the mouth. And the entire body of the described water creature is covered by a barely noticeable, very small scale.
Distribution and habitat
In Russia, these representatives of freshwater fauna are distributed practically throughout the territory; they are found in such rivers as the Volga and the Urals, in Lake Tavatuy and other water bodies. Such creatures also live in large rivers and lakes throughout Eurasia.
Fish plucking has the ability to feel comfortable both in running and in still water. And besides large bodies of water, it is sometimes capable of falling into ditches and keys. The main thing is that only the current in this place is not too strong. Also avoids fish too deep places. In the summer, often these creatures simply clog in mud or silt, exposing only a small head. If the weather is nice, then the fish can simply rest at the bottom.
Fishing
The breathing features of such creatures allow them not only to survive successfully in waters where there is a clear lack of oxygen. They are able to exist for a sufficiently long period, remaining in atmospheric air. Therefore, for a considerable time, the fish tweezers remain fresh, being caught by a successful angler.
To catch such a prey, ordinary earthworms are most often used. The fishing activity by the net is also successful. Such a fish often comes into it, accidentally catching on its famous spikes, while completely being unable to get out. Also, the pinch itself is often used as a bait to catch larger fish. Thus they catch burbots, zander, perches.
Aquarium Maintenance
Pinch - a small fish, but very nice, so it is very suitable for aquarium maintenance. In addition, it is important to take into account the harmless nature of such tiny creatures, therefore, they can be placed together with any neighbors. And it doesn’t matter if they are big or small, if only they themselves would not be dangerous for such a fish.
By the way, the tweezers may well play the role of a living barometer in the house, since they very peculiarly respond to fluctuations in atmospheric pressure. They exhibit nervous activity, rush about, and often frantically swallow air through their mouths. Thus, these creatures of nature are able to warn their owners about changes in the weather. That is, the fish plucking in the aquarium is a real home weather station.
When buying such small pets, especially if it is planned to get offspring from them in the future, it is very important to learn to distinguish males from females. The former can be distinguished by a significant size of the pectoral fins. Males also have flattened sides, a narrow muzzle and are smaller in size - about 8 cm. Females are more cheeky, and may be 1.5 times as long as their body.
How to feed?
The successful maintenance of any fish depends on proper feeding. Tweaking is no exception. During aquarium life, such domestic creatures should not eat monotonously. The diet should be diversified, and it must include both live and dry food. It is also important to consider individual preferences in this matter. The diet depends on them and whether it should consist more of herbal ingredients or mainly contain protein.
In nature, these creatures feed on insects, larvae and small invertebrates. At home, they are almost omnivorous. However, frozen food may not attract the attention of such fish. As for the size of the servings, it is better if they are moderate. And daily feed should be offered to pets no more than once.