Shoulderspot Catfish
Description
of the Shoulderspot Catfish
The Shoulderspot Catfish is a great addition to any freshwater
tropical aquarium. It is important to provide it with plenty of
planting and rocks / wood as it likes to hide. The shoulderspot
catfish can be recognised by it mottled appearance, its lack of
a adipose fin and of course the spot on its shoulder!
Profile of
the Shoulderspot Catfish
This
Profile contains interesting facts and information about the
Shoulderspot Catfish species.
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Size: Up to 22cm
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Fish Tank
conditions:
PH 6.0-7.5 Temp 20-27 Degrees
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Diet / Feeding:
Frozen or Dried Food
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Temperament:
Generally a peaceful fish but ensure other fish in the tank
are not too small otherwise it will eat them!
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Behaviour: Will
eat smaller fish
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Range: Congo
River, Africa
Scientific
Classification of the Shoulderspot Catfish
Definition: Scientific
classification, or biological classification, is how biologists
group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical
characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the
science of taxonomy.
Interesting Facts and Information -
How do you identify
the sex of a Shoulderspot Catfish?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors
or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish
species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes
tricky being an ichthyologist!
Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Shoulderspot Catfish slimy?
Shoulderspot Catfish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin.
This slime provides protection against parasites and infections
and helps the Shoulderspot Catfish to move through
the water faster. Some fish species also release
toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish
species use their slime to feed their young.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do Shoulderspot Catfish have gills?
Gills enable the Shoulderspot Catfish to breathe. Gills consist of thin
sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over
the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon
dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a
large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however
have lungs and breathe air.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do the Shoulderspot Catfish have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are
used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different
fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish
species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish
are designed to perform a specific function:
-
Dorsal fins - The
dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Shoulderspot Catfish
has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.
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Ventral fins. The
ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The
Shoulderspot Catfish
has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.
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Caudal fins. The
Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Shoulderspot Catfish
has Caudal fins to propel through the water.
-
Pectoral fins. The
Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The
Shoulderspot Catfish
has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to
side movement
Interesting Facts and Information about
Shoulderspot Catfish
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