Porthole catfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Porthole catfish |
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The porthole catfish is a small, peaceful fish. It is also known as the slender catfish. Its scientific name is Dianema longibarbis. This fish lives in warm, fresh water. It is part of a fish family called Callichthyidae.
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About the Porthole Catfish
The porthole catfish is a type of tropical freshwater fish. It gets its name "porthole" from the spots on its body. These spots can look like small windows or portholes. It is a calm fish, which makes it popular for home aquariums.
Where Do Porthole Catfish Live?
This fish comes from rivers and streams in South America. You can find it in the Amazon River basin. This area includes parts of Brazil and Peru. They live in waters that are usually slow-moving.
How Big Do They Get?
Porthole catfish can grow up to about 8.2 centimeters (3.2 inches) long. This makes them a medium-sized fish. They are often kept in groups because they are social.
What Do Porthole Catfish Need to Live?
Porthole catfish need specific water conditions to be healthy.
- The water should have a pH level between 5.5 and 7.5. This means the water is slightly acidic to neutral.
- The water hardness should be between 2 and 20 DH. This describes how many minerals are in the water.
- The water temperature needs to be warm. It should be between 22°C and 26°C (72°F and 79°F). These conditions are similar to their natural home in the Amazon.
