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Catfish are in the fish order Siluriformes. To put in perspective what an order is in the classification of organisms, in mammals, the Bats make up one order, the Rodents another and Primates another. As you can see, the classification order can include a lot of different animals. For example, consider the difference between the primates, including Humans, apes, lemurs and others. As with the primates, the Catfish of the order Siluriformes are a diverse group of animals.
Catfish range in length from a couple of centimetres to several metres. In aquariums and ponds there are a lot of different catfish kept. The name Catfish comes from the whiskers (barbels) that most Catfish have.
Some of the most popular catfish for aquariums are the corydoras catfish such as the Bronze and the Peppered catfish. There are hundreds of different species of corydoras catfish. These are mostly tropical but some of them have a range extending well out of the tropics and these can tolerate lower temperatures. As a general rule, the corydoras catfish are intolerant of very high temperatures and high concentrations of salt.
Some catfish like the Bristlenose Catfish are specialized for eating algae.
Although most Catfish are bottom feeders there are some midwater catfish like the Glass Catfish.
Loaches are fish of the superfamily Cobitoidea. These fish come from several continents, but are most numerous in Asia. There are no Loaches from either Australia or Antarctica. They tend to be elongated fish, and include some eel or worm like fish like the Kuhli Loach and the Black Kuhli Loach.
Explore the Fascinating lives of Loaches: A complete Guide to care and community tank success.
Explore the Fascinating lives of Loaches: A complete Guide to care and community tank success.
Dive into the fascinating world of loaches with Loaches Handbook by Ashley J. Gibson, the definitive guide for aquarists seeking to understand, care for, and breed these unique freshwater fish. This comprehensive book provides everything you need to create a thriving loach tank, with insights tailored for both beginners and experienced fishkeepers.
What You'll Discover Inside:
Introduction to Loaches – Start with an overview of the diverse loach family, featuring popular species like the Clown Loach and Kuhli Loach. Explore their natural habitats and learn what makes these fish so distinct in appearance and behavior.
Setting Up a Loach Tank – Learn how to set up the perfect environment for your loaches with advice on tank size, ideal substrates, decorations, and essential water parameters. Gibson’s tips on pH balance, temperature control, and filtration make setup straightforward and effective.
Selecting and Acclimating Loaches – Choose the healthiest loaches and acclimate them seamlessly to their new home. With guidance on selecting compatible tank mates, this chapter helps ensure a peaceful, balanced tank environment.
Loach Diet and Feeding – Understand the unique dietary needs of loaches, including feeding schedules and nutritional requirements. Discover recommended foods for each species, ensuring your loaches remain healthy and vibrant.
Understanding Loach Behavior – Uncover the social and nocturnal habits of loaches, including their grouping behaviors and interactions. Learn how to identify stress or signs of illness, helping you to keep a happy and active tank.
Breeding Loaches – Explore the challenges and rewards of breeding loaches in captivity. Gibson provides insights into setting up breeding tanks, caring for eggs and fry, and overcoming the common obstacles associated with loach breeding.
Health and Common Diseases – Protect your loaches from illness by understanding common health issues, including parasites and bacterial infections. This chapter covers preventative care, signs of sickness, and effective treatment methods.
Tank Maintenance for Loaches – Keep your tank clean and thriving with this essential guide to water changes, cleaning routines, and monitoring water quality. Learn effective methods for managing algae and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
Troubleshooting Common Problems – Solve common challenges like aggression, water quality issues, and overcrowding. This troubleshooting chapter offers practical solutions to keep your loach tank running smoothly.
Packed with detailed advice, and hands-on tips, Loaches Handbook by Ashley J. Gibson is your all-in-one resource for loach care. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your knowledge, this book will guide you every step of the way to creating a healthy, engaging, and peaceful environment for your loaches.
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