We present you interesting catfish facts.
The catfish (Silurus) is the largest predatory fish that lives in freshwater lakes and rivers. It belongs to the rayon class, the catfish group, the catfish family.
Catfish has a long, flattened, and quite powerful body, which is devoid of scales and covered with a layer of mucus that provides slip and maneuverability of fish in the water. Wide catfish head usually has a flattened shape. On it, there are small, slightly blinded eyes of catfish. The wide mouth of the fish is “armed” with small but present in large numbers of teeth. Almost all catfish have one peculiarity: the jaws of this predatory fish are long mustache. Catfish mustache is the most important tactile organ, with which the fish find food. Depending on the species, which scientists have about 500, the appearance of the catfish, its color and size may vary significantly.
How long does a catfish live?
The life expectancy of a catfish, which lives in natural and ecologically acceptable conditions, reaches 30, 50, or even 60 years. There are data from ichthyologists who have recorded individuals who have reached the age of 75 years.
What do the catfish eat?
Fish catfish in nature prefers to lead a benthic lifestyle, lying in pits with large concentrations of muddy sediments. In the diet it is unpretentious: catfish eat plant remains, small fish, larvae, frogs, shells, crayfish or accidental birds, mice, and other animals. The catfish also eat scavengers. Often he “trades” for prey near the old and forgotten fishing nets. Big hungry catfish can eat even a dog or a calf, which accidentally entered the water.
Where does the catfish live?
Fish catfish is quite common in the waters of Europe and Asia, and, upholstered in rivers flowing into the sea, often swims in their salty waters. Unfortunately, in such conditions, only one species of catfish can exist for a long time – canal catfish, the rest of the family is not adapted to such a “salty” living.
An ordinary catfish (European) (Silurus glanis) can reach a length of up to 5 meters and weigh up to 400 kg. It inhabits the rivers and lakes of Europe and Russia. Cases of common catfish attack on people are described.
American catfish (dwarf catfish) (Ameiurus nebulosus) live in South American waters. The length of the American catfish does not exceed one meter, weight – 7-10 kg. The jaws of this variety are surprisingly arranged: teeth are arranged in several rows, and each row is different in size – from smaller to larger. This feature allows the American catfish to seize its prey like a steel vice.
Malapterurus electricus lives in African waters and rivers of Arab countries. His ability to generate powerful electric charges helps him to hunt successfully even large prey. There are reports that the electric catfish killed animals that accidentally wander into a watering hole.
Among the catfish widely known aquarium species: Antsistrus catfish, cockroach, platypodoros, glass catfish, cuckoo catfish, shifter catfish, and others. And their variety of colors just amazes.
The reproduction of catfishes
In natural bodies of water, catfish spawning begins in summer, when the water is sufficiently warm. Usually catfish spawn in late May – mid-June. For reproduction fish catfish look for secluded areas: quiet ducts, shallow waters in reeds, not too deep, shady ponds. The process of the courtship of males for the female is quite interesting to observe: fish long play “catch-up”, accompanying them with a noisy splash and splashes. Most often the female catfish chooses the strongest and largest partner out of 5-6 candidates. After that, the pair goes to the chosen place where the female digs a hole with her pectoral fins, where in the future she will “hide” the caviar. Surprisingly, sometimes the depth of such holes reaches one meter! Fry begins to curse after 7-9 days, and in a couple of weeks, the youngsters settle in the water expanses of rivers and lakes.
Interesting catfish facts
- Catfish is a very smart and tricky fish. To lure his prey, he moves his mustache, imitating the movement of worms, while opening his mouth. At the sight of prey, the catfish draws in water with its gullible prey.
- The catfish is a very greedy fish. It picks up everything edible that just gets into the water: a duck swimming past, a nest hanging over the water. Sometimes catfish would drag away dogs or calves that were in the water by the shore.
- The weight of this predatory fish can reach 400 kg and a length of 5 meters. Depending on the habitat, the color of the catfish can vary from yellow to black.
- Catfish are a dangerous predator, there are even known cases of attack by this fish on people.
Did you like interesting facts about catfish? Share it with your friends.
Facts About Catfish
Learn interesting facts about catfish. This group of ray-finned fishes is named for its prominent barbels, which resemble those of a cat. The three largest species are called largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted catfish. The size of these fishes can range anywhere from a few centimeters to three feet. This is the reason why they are considered ray-finned fishes.
This species has an amazingly sensitive sense of taste and smell. It can live in cold temperatures as low as -28 degrees Fahrenheit! Its skin is covered with mucus, which allows it to breathe without any difficulty. This makes it a perfect candidate for a tropical aquarium! You can learn more about catfish at the link below. There are many interesting facts about cats, and you may even be able to use them to impress your friends!
Catfish also have an incredible survival instinct. They live in temperatures of more than a hundred degrees Fahrenheit. They also are nocturnal hunters that use their whiskers to help them navigate in deep water. This makes them a good pet for any aquarium. So, get ready to learn more about these fascinating fish! If you enjoy fish, you’ll love these fun facts about catfish! While learning about these amazing fish, don’t forget to check out the fun things about them!
Despite their large size, cats are highly adaptable. They can breed in different areas of the world, but cannot reproduce in extreme temperatures. The long mouth and slippery body of these fish are incredibly useful for eating. Besides this, they are also a good source of protein. This protein is essential for building tissues and repairing muscle. It also serves as a building block for a wide range of molecules. For this reason, they are a great addition to any aquarium.
Another interesting fact about catfish is that it has similar traits to cats. Its long, slender body is suited for hiding and swimming. It has a strong sense of smell and taste. It also has a strong immune system and can survive in a variety of habitats. These are just a few of the interesting facts about catfish. Keep reading to learn more! – Known as “the catfish,” this fish can survive in a wide range of habitats and water conditions. Its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions makes them a great addition to any aquarium.
Another interesting fact about catfish is their ability to reproduce in cold and warm waters. These fish also have a heightened sense of smell and can detect chemicals and poisons. They are an excellent source of protein and can even survive in the wild. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals. They can improve our health and help build tissues. So, if you want to learn more about catfish, read on. You will be surprised at how similar the two species are!
Catfish share many similarities with cats. In addition to being nocturnal hunters, these fish have the same characteristic as cats: whiskers! They use their whiskers to locate food and are not averting. A common myth about this fish is that it is a ‘water horse’. If the animal moves in a shallow pool, it is a water horse. In the wild, the catfish can be a deadly predator.
Although they are a nocturnal species, catfish do not mind living in groups. They can grow together in a group of up to 500 fish. Giant catfish, on the other hand, can live for more than one hundred years. This is one of the many interesting facts about the species. This is an important animal and can live in the wild as well as in the aquarium. There are different kinds of catfish.
The wels catfish is one of the most interesting facts about catfish. This fish is the native species of Europe. It is smaller than Aristotle’s catfish, but literature documents wels catfishes of incredible proportions. They are typically 1.2 to 16 inches long, but can reach up to 2 meters! They can even weigh more than a hundred kilograms. However, unlike Aristotle’s catfish, the wels catfishes are smaller.
Thank you for the article! Such interesting and amazing catfish facts!