Catfish are extraordinary creatures with distinctive whiskers, also called barbels, and they aren’t the only fish with them. Several fish species have barbels, which are sensory organs. Fish use them to navigate the water, evade predators, and find food. Catfish are masters of survival and among the most popular aquarium fish. So, if you want to know more about this intriguing species and discover why catfish have whiskers, dive into the article below.
Catfish Use Their Whiskers for Many Purposes
Catfish have whiskers to help them hunt, feed, navigate dark water, and escape danger and predators. Barbels is the correct term for fish whiskers, and unlike cat and dog whiskers, they are not hair. Barbels are an extension of the body and contain thousands of sensory cells. Catfish usually have an even number of whiskers dotted above and below their mouth. They are super sensitive and work in a similar way to tastebuds. Catfish can taste food before putting it in their mouths, and the whiskers help them identify food at night or in murky water.
Catfish use their whiskers to sense vibrations in the water, which help them locate prey and identify predators. The Japanese water catfish can even detect changes in water chemistry through its whiskers. Catfish don’t have scales, and barbels are a defense mechanism. Catfish aren’t the only fish with whiskers; many species have barbels, such as carp, zebrafish, and sturgeon. Fish barbels are harmless to humans and don’t sting if they touch you.
Are Catfish Good for Home Aquariums?
Catfish are a fantastic addition to home tanks and bring many benefits to freshwater aquariums. They are hardy, adaptable, and generally easy to care for, and with so many species of catfish, you can find one to suit your needs and setup. One of the main reasons why they are a favorite among aquarium hobbyists is that most are outstanding tank cleaners. They search the tank for leftover food and algae to eat, which helps maintain the water. Some catfish are nocturnal animals, but the ones active during the day are fascinating to watch.
Catfish are also popular for home aquariums because they are generally peaceful and live harmoniously in an aquarium community.
Catfish Make Great Additions to Community Tanks
Each catfish species has unique care requirements, but they are generally easy to care for. Some species are hardier than others and are excellent for beginners, while others need a more experienced keeper. The catfish diet also varies between species; many are omnivores, but some are carnivorous and need a meaty diet. It’s a common misconception that they can sustain themselves by eating algae that naturally forms in the tank. While they are fantastic algae eaters, you must feed them regularly.
Catfish need many aquarium plants, hiding places, and environmental enrichment in their tank. Your tank size will depend on the catfish you’re keeping; some species grow over 20 inches long and need a massive tank. Additionally, some catfish have a long lifespan of over 15 years, so you must choose a species carefully if you want one as a pet.
The Best Catfish for Home Aquariums
The best catfish for home aquariums include bristlenose plecos and cory catfish. There are over 3,000 saltwater and freshwater catfish species, and not all are suitable for home aquariums. You should choose a catfish species depending on your setup and existing inhabitants. You must carefully research the different needs of each species and choose one that fits your existing setup.
The most popular catfish for freshwater aquariums include:
- Bristlenose plecos
- Cory catfish
- Glass catfish
- Pictus catfish
- Upside down catfish
- Leopard catfish
- Bandit catfish
- Bumblebee catfish
What Are the Best Tankmates for Catfish?
The best tankmates for catfish, again, depend on the species. Catfish are generally easy-going tankmates; they even get along well with aggressive fish! Here are two catfish that thrive in schools with similar-sized, peaceful fish:
- Corydoras. These small catfish love to live in groups of at least five. You should avoid keeping them with large, predatory fish that eat their tankmates. As a rule, if a fish can fit in another fish’s mouth, it may become a meal.
- Plecos. These are large catfish that get on well with others. Note that, while fascinating creatures, plecos can grow to enormous sizes and need massive tanks. Regardless of which species you choose, you should always ensure they have ample space and plenty of hiding places to prevent stress and fish bullying.
Fun Facts About Catfish
Catfish are masters of survival, and their long whiskers have helped them to thrive for millions of years. These striking fish are understandably a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts, and there is a species to suit every tank. Dive into the fun facts about catfish below to discover their unique features:
1. Catfish are resilient aquatic creatures. They are super hardy and adaptable, and you can find them on every continent except Antarctica. They live in seas, rivers, and lakes––some in near-freezing waters.
2. Some catfish are humongous. The largest species ever recorded was a Mekong giant catfish that weighed over 600 pounds and measured 8.8 feet long.
3. Some catfish can walk. The Asian walking catfish can use its fins to walk across land to other bodies of water.
4. Catfish can purr. Catfish don’t get their name solely because of their whiskers; they also make a sound that resembles a purr. They can use their body to make noise and create vibrations to communicate in the water.
