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Flagtail catfish facts for kids

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Flagtail catfish
Dianema urostriata.JPG
Scientific classification
Synonyms
  • Decapogon urostriatum A. Miranda-Ribeiro, 1912

The flagtail catfish or stripedtail catfish (Dianema urostriatum) is a cool tropical freshwater fish. It belongs to a group of fish called the Callichthyidae family. This family includes many types of catfish.

This fish gets its name from its tail, which often has stripes. It's a type of catfish, known for its "whiskers" or barbels around its mouth. These help it find food.

Where Does the Flagtail Catfish Live?

The flagtail catfish comes from the Amazon Basin in South America. This huge area includes parts of countries like Brazil and Colombia. It's a place with many rivers and streams.

These fish live in warm, calm waters. They are often found near the bottom of rivers. They like places where they can hide.

What Does a Flagtail Catfish Need to Live?

The flagtail catfish can grow to about 12.5 centimeters (5 inches) long. That's about the length of a typical pencil.

It needs specific water conditions to be healthy.

  • Water Temperature: They like warm water, usually between 25°C and 28°C (77°F to 82°F).
  • pH Level: The water's pH should be between 6.0 and 8.0. pH tells us how acidic or basic the water is. A pH of 7.0 is neutral.
  • Water Hardness: The water should have a hardness of 5 to 19 DH. Water hardness refers to the amount of minerals dissolved in the water.

These conditions are important for the fish to thrive in its natural home.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Dianema urostriatum para niños

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