Spiny catfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spiny catfish |
|
|---|---|
_(6006015692).jpg) |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
The Spiny Catfish (Acanthodoras cataphractus) is a special kind of catfish with a thorny body. You can find these fish in the rivers of several South American countries. These include Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname.
Spiny Catfish can grow to about 11.5 centimeters (4.5 inches) long. They are also sometimes kept as pets in home aquariums.
Contents
Life in the Water
Spiny Catfish love calm waters. They are often found in swamps and areas with mangrove trees. These fish are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. They mostly eat detritus, which is tiny bits of decaying matter. They find their food by digging around in the mud or sand at the bottom.
Appearance and Habits
The Spiny Catfish has a unique look. It's shaped a bit like a tadpole, with a wide, strong head. This head has three pairs of long whiskers, called barbels. These barbels help them feel around and find food in the dark.
These fish are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night or during twilight. During the day, they like to hide. They need lots of places to hide, like between roots or under stones. They can even burrow into the ground super fast, so only their eyes stick out!
What They Eat
Besides detritus, Spiny Catfish also enjoy eating worms and insect larvae. If they are in an aquarium, they will eat leftover food and special fish food.
Sounds and Communication
Spiny Catfish are quite interesting because they can make sounds! When they move their pectoral fins, they create a growling noise. Each sound lasts for about 100 to 200 milliseconds. If you pick them up, they might even make these growling sounds.
Differences Between Males and Females
You can tell male and female Spiny Catfish apart by their barbels. Males have barbels that are striped brown and yellowish-white. Females, on the other hand, have barbels that are just one color, yellowish-white.
Home Sweet Home (for Aquariums)
If you keep Spiny Catfish in an aquarium, the bottom of the tank should have fine sand. This is because they love to burrow. If you use gravel, make sure there's a good layer of sand on top. They don't usually bother plants, but it's best to have plants that are firmly rooted in the sand.
Life Span and Reproduction
Spiny Catfish can live for a long time. Not much is known about how they reproduce in the wild. Some types of catfish are known to build nests for their eggs.
See also
In Spanish: Acanthodoras cataphractus para niños
