▷ Catfish | All information about Ameiurus nebulosus

Catfish data sheet

Trade name:
American dwarf catfish, brown catfish

Latin name:
Ameiurus nebulosus

Order:
Catfish, Siluriformes

Family:
catfish

Genus:
Ameiurus

Origin:
North America

Size:
40 cm

Aquarium/garden pond

Garden pond:
from 10 square meters, 1.5 meters deep

Aquarium length and width:
140x50cm

Contents:
from 400 liters

water values

Temperature:
10 to 20°C

pH:
6-8pH

GH:
4 – 30°dH

CH:
3 and 10°dKH

Behave

Area:
Floor

Lining:
Catfish tablets, small crabs, earthworms

Behave:
Solitary, pairs

Number:
1 to 3 fish

Life expectancy:
up to 20 years

association with shrimp
no

Difficulty level:
Beginner

anonymous, Ameiurus nebulosus, CC BY-SA 2.5

Catfish originated in North America and came to Europe in the 19th century. Like all other catfish, the Ameiurus nebulosus, as it is called in Latin, has mustache-like fibers around the mouth.

This feature is reminiscent of cats’ whiskers, which is why the fish was given the name catfish. The omnivore is a spawn and fish predator that aquarists must not release into their native waters.

He feels at home in the garden pond or aquarium and provides offspring in the spring.

gender differences

Distinguishing between male and female catfish is not that easy. Even experienced aquarists sometimes find it difficult. However, there are differences between males and females.

The female has one fuller, more robust physique than the rather slimmer male. This difference in physique is even better seen from above. The colors are also more intense in the male fish.

general characteristics

have catfish broad and flat heads and her body is getting flatter at the back. characteristic of that wide mouth are the four long barbels above and the four short barbels below the mouth cleft.

catfish are scalelesshave a relatively short dorsal fin in relation to the body, as well as a adipose fin.

breed

Breeding in home aquariums is possible, although catfish are easier to reproduce in the garden pond. In its natural habitat, the catfish digs a pit in which the female lays her eggs.

The eggs are three to four millimeters in size and can be compared to frog spawn. Catfish eggs too clump and are sticky. Either both parents or just the male guard the spawn until the young hatch after about a week.

rearing

When the yolk sac is consumed, the young catfish start swimming around in the tank looking for food. Hatchlings are born with newly hatched Saltwater Crab fed.

After some time, the diet can be expanded with the help of other live and ready-made foods.

socialization

The catfish is a predatory omnivore. Socialization is only possible with cold-water fish of the same size. Keeping them in pairs in the species aquarium is recommended.

Frequently asked user questions

What must be considered when designing the aquarium?

Catfish are nocturnal fish that prefer a tank that is not too bright. Dark gravel is ideal as substrate. A very good filter system is important in order to remove catfish excretions from the aquarium.

Do catfish eat aquatic plants?

Catfish are always hungry omnivores that don’t stop at aquatic plants. Aquarists who do not want to do without planting should not choose fine-leaved plants, but instead opt for robust perch aquatic plants.