Somik sticks: description, nutrition, reproduction

In the world there are fish, interesting not only for their appearance, but also for their behavior. They can safely be referred to as catfishes (somicov-antsitrusov). These creatures have a round interesting muzzle-sucker, due to which they clean off the adhering algae from the walls of the aquarium, serving as their main food.

Aquarium catfishes are fish that can not be confused with any other species. In addition to sucking mouth, catfish has such characteristic features as:

• A large head ;
• Teardrop-shaped body slightly flattened from the front;
• Bony wide plates instead of usual scales;
• Large dorsal fin in the form of a sail, which is always pressed against the calf;
• Sharp spines on the tips of the fins;
• Characteristic fins created from fatty tissues.

The color of these fish varies from pale gray with yellow blotches to absolutely black. Periodically there are also albino fish with a very pale color, as well as yellowish, unexpressed inclusions.

Kinds

Aquarium fish catfish stuck is very interesting for all lovers of the underwater world. Experts distinguish several species, each of which has certain characteristics.

Red Ancystrus

This species of fish was bred in artificial reservoirs in Germany. This catfish sticks has a characteristic color, which is close to orange. Fish of this species have a high cost.

Albino gold

Catfish prikipaly very often pale, thus becoming albinos. They stand out in a separate view. Periodically, albinos are painted golden, taking a truly fascinating look. These fish could gain popularity among connoisseurs, as they are able to become an exotic and magnificent addition for each aquarium.

Ancystrum stellate

The native land of this species is the great Amazon river. This catfish sticks has a dark brown or black color. Large white specks gradually become brown in the course of time, while the white border of the fins is transformed into small pale spots with a frame of dark hue. The female is larger and lighter than the male. At 10 months, males begin to appear on the muzzle of the skin.

Ancistrus Claro

Homeland of this species of catfish is considered to be Brazil, this is indicated by their name, which was received in honor of the Claro River. This catfish sticks has a body length of 8 centimeters. From other species it differs in its color, ranging from gray to saturated black. Large white specks dilute dark color. Representatives of this species are active throughout the day, in contrast to their more passive relatives.

Catfish sticks: Reproduction

Representatives of all types of antsitrus have the same pattern of reproduction. Their eggs are laid in various crevices: behind the filter, between the stones, etc. Males guard the clusters of caviar from females, until the larvae appear in the light. Within half a year the fry becomes adult full-fledged catfishes.

Content

Somik stuck very picky in food. Before you start it, you need to understand what to feed this fish. So, the best are the gentle green algae covering the glass aquariums. You can also carry out additional fertilizing, for which you should boil leaves of cabbage, lettuce, nettle. These fish can easily adapt to life in fresh water. In this case, the size of each individual will depend on the total volume of the aquarium - the latter is larger, the larger the fish will be with age. Although, for the most part, they are prepared for tanks, containing about a hundred liters.

Fish, with rare exceptions, are usually inactive during the day, they "come to life" at night, and also when pressure changes. Therefore, they need the aquarium to be filled with various objects - caves, shelters, stones, all kinds of plants. Usually, males immediately occupy the best cave, where they hide and rest during the day.

Diseases

Diseases of these fish are associated with the emergence of gases, as well as food poisoning. These fish are generally very healthy and are quite unpretentious to the conditions of detention. Perhaps, that's why they are so much loved by many domestic and foreign aquarists.