Common catfish: what the fish eats and how long it lives, how it looks and where it lives

Catfish is known and loved for many reasons, the main of which is its characteristic appearance; that's the truth - you definitely can’t call it ordinary. Also, most species of this fish are easy to keep. Catfish fillet is often used in cooking. This species is also valuable for the fishery due to its weight. Catfish attracts the attention of fishermen with their size, strength and the ability to become a valuable trophy.

Description

The catfish family consists of hundreds of species that vary in size, shape and color. All of these creatures are found in freshwater environments. Most of them are hunters, and some eat both plants and animals. In addition, many species are active at night.

Appearance

Catfish are easy to identify by the presence of either one or two pairs of antennae on the lower jaw. They have a dull brown body, sometimes with shades of gray or green, and a white belly. In addition, they are characterized by the presence of an unusually wide head, which is flattened and devoid of scales. In addition, many species have an adipose fin on their back, with which they move along the bottom of freshwater reservoirs, making undulating movements. Their eyes are also far apart.

Size

Body size and weight can vary significantly depending on species and environmental conditions. As a rule, they are about 20 cm long. Unfortunately, due to the harsh ecological climate, their bodies rarely reach their maximum size. Catfish that feed on aquatic animals are larger than other predators in the same area.

Fun fact: one of the most popular species, the common catfish, stretches up to 3 meters in length and is considered a valuable catch for fishermen everywhere.On the other hand, there are smaller varieties, such as the habrozus, pygmy or sparrow catfish from the genus Coridoras, which do not even reach 3 centimeters!

Origin of fish

These are some of the oldest fish in existence, which has influenced the way they look, breed and behave. For example, some species of these river inhabitants have a pineal opening of the epiphysis; spiked growths on the fins and head; teeth on the body, like real sharks. Three fossil families (Andinihthyidae, Bachmaniidae, Hypsidoridae) are included in the catfish genus.

Features of body structure

The physical characteristics of catfish vary greatly depending on the family and genus to which they belong. Male and female fish show only subtle differences in size, with females slightly larger. The main part of the species is modest in size, however, some species can reach a length of several meters, such as the common catfish, which weighs up to 400 kg.The physique is similar to that of a burbot, but its head is flatter and much wider.

This species is easily distinguished by the absence of a posterior adipose fin and a long, flattened tail that is half the body. Other distinguishing features include widely spaced eyes close to the upper lip, and a protruding lower jaw with countless small teeth. There are no spines on the fins, and the anal fin smoothly passes into the tail. It is important to note that this type of fish is similar in body characteristics to Soldatov's catfish, which causes confusion for inexperienced anglers.

Life cycle features

Catfish tend to lead a solitary, motionless lifestyle. They rarely move away from dwellings and settle in deep and littered places, for example, under snags, banks, tree roots, or in pools near dams. These fish can stay in the same place for many years and leave it only in winter to go upriver and spawn in floodplains or floodplain lakes.

The process from awakening from hibernation to spawning takes about a month, during which they feed very often. After spawning is complete, catfish migrate back to their original habitats, where they stay all summer before hibernating again for the winter.

Before the cold weather, the members of the group are active and often swim out to hunt. Large individuals already in September begin to look for a convenient place for the upcoming wintering. By October or mid-November, they completely stop hunting. Catfish seek shelter in burrows and tend to congregate in groups of five to ten individuals. They try to burrow into the mud to protect themselves from the cold.

Large species can live up to 55 or 63 years, although due to environmental degradation, their life expectancy is decreasing. Small catfish often do not live past 10 years, and this period varies depending on the specific species. For example, golden corridors live from 5 to 10 years, while dwarf representatives have a life expectancy of only three years.

Lifestyle

Almost all types of catfish are predators that are active at night, during the day they hide in burrows or under tree roots. Adults of this species tend to be territorial, and territorial disputes may arise between relatives; however, juveniles often live together in groups.

During the periods of breeding and wintering, the aggression of adult fish is noticeably reduced. Unlike common catfish, small species tend to form larger flocks and show much less aggression towards each other. How many "members" will be in their pack depends on the species and habitat.

An interesting trait found in some species - such as Corydoras goldenis - is that they have an ability known as intestinal respiration, which allows them to breathe out of water.

Distribution area

Catfish can actually be found in any part of the world, except for the polar regions.10 species of catfish live in Russia, for example, the common or European catfish, which is found in abundance in Europe and prefers a warm climate. It lives in such rivers as the Volga, Don. And also in the Caspian, Azov, Black and Aral Seas.

Amur catfish is popular in Japan, China and Korea, but it mainly lives in the Amur River basin, some individuals are found in Lake Khanka and Baikal. Soldatov's catfish is similar to its predecessor, but, in addition to the Amur basin, it also lives in Lake Khanka and the Ussuri River.

Catfish live in freshwater environments, although there is an exception in the form of channel catfish, which survives in s alt water. They often live near the bottom of these bodies of water and prefer silt or sand as their habitat. When they find themselves in shallow water, it causes them stress, and they will try to hide from the light among plants, stones or debris.

What catfish eats

Catfish, which can be quite large, can't chase their prey, so they lie in wait for other fish.The coloration of their body allows them to merge with the bottom and vegetation of the pond. Adults mainly feed on crustaceans, gaping waterfowl, mice and rats. They do not disdain frogs, fish and large insects, while young catfish feast on leeches, mosquito larvae, toad tadpoles and small bugs.

Enemies of catfish

Danger for the colony is a man: every angler wants to catch takub fish. However, young catfish are often negatively affected, as they tend to quickly swallow the bait. At times, hunters even dive into the water with scuba gear intent on catching the strongest specimens.

In addition, people significantly harm catfish by polluting waterways. After all, fry and eggs of large fish are a welcome delicacy for any predatory fish, for example, for pikes, which often feed on them. Adults may not be afraid of other birds and aquatic predators.

Reproduction

Cats breed during the hot months, with some species mating in the spring and others in the summer. During this period, they swim in places where they can remain hidden, for example, in lakes with an abundance of plants and water, sheltered from direct sunlight.

Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionCommon catfish unite in flocks, like other large varieties. If the male is significantly smaller than the mate, she will eat him during courtship. Males protect eggs from other predatory fish.

During courtship, male European catfish will chase potential mates and make a loud noise as their massive tail fins splash across the surface of the water. In addition, they will use their heads to try and separate the female from other males vying for her attention.

Views

There are 3801 varieties of catfish. Species that live in aquariums are quite small, brightly colored and have a pronounced body type. They are not too demanding on living conditions and rarely show aggression. The size of these fish can vary from 35 cm to 5 m ( although this is not common, especially in Russia).

Common catfish (European species)

The length of this species never exceeds 2.9 meters, and the weight of individuals does not exceed 52 kg; however, some can reach a weight of 390 kg. The color of this catfish is a protective brown with a hint of green, the underside is very pale compared to the main shade. Occasionally, albino specimens are also found. In addition, pigmentation varies depending on the habitat.

It is interesting to note that large specimens such as the common catfish are known to be aggressive towards humans, especially children.

American catfish (dwarf species)

This species is native to North America but has been introduced to Europe and the fish can be seen in western Russia. Enthusiasts love to breed American catfish, because the latter are able to survive in captivity even with not very clean water. It can sometimes grow up to 1 meter in length, although it will usually be much smaller, with a maximum weight of 300 grams. The coloration of this fish is brown or black with a darker back and a lighter belly area.

Electric catfish

This original species only exists in African waters. It grows in length up to 1.19 meters, and the color is brown, occasionally with dark marks that differ in size on the side of the body and back. It is considered one of the most dangerous inhabitants of water bodies due to its powerful electric shock, which is used both for defense and for hunting purposes.

Fattail catfish

There are about 30 varieties of it, all of them come from Asia. Many of these scad catfish are suitable for keeping in aquariums. As a rule, their body length does not exceed 15-17 cm. In addition, some breeds have poisonous spines.

Spotted catfish

The speckled catfish is an aquarium fish that belongs to the genus Coridoras. Native to South America and known for its adaptability in captivity, it has an average lifespan of 6-8 years. The coloration is light brown with indistinct dark spots, and, like all predators, it has a strong metallic sheen.

Flathead catfish

Individuals belonging to this family live in South America. They are known for their bright coloration and long antennae. Despite this, people rarely keep them at home as pet fish. The catfish reaches a length of 1.2 meters and is distinguished by the ability to make noise, the function of which remains unclear, although it is assumed that this is a method of scaring off predators.

Glass catfish

This species is kept in aquariums. Glass catfish, when kept in captivity, grows no more than 10 cm. The body is colorless and emits luminescence under certain lighting conditions. It is very sensitive to light, which makes it difficult to spot the fish during the daytime. In addition, breeding this species at home is impossible.

Antenna catfish

This family includes hundreds of species, some of which are quite tiny, while others can reach a length of one meter. Aquarists value antennae catfish because of their bright colors and constant movement. Zebra microglanis, patterned pimelodus and red-tailed catfish are often found in aquariums.

Features of catfish meat

This toothy predator is highly valued for its palatability and nutritional value. The meat is low-calorie - 98 kcal per 0.100 kg - and contains useful vitamins, minerals and trace elements, such as vitamin D (13.2 mcg), B12 (2.1 mcg), phosphorus (211 mg) and selenium (13.1 mcg). ).

This fish is cooked in different ways: stewed, fried, baked or dried; however, due to its natural habitat, it has a strong odor that must be combated by soaking the fillets in lemon juice or s alt, soda or milk before cooking.

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