The Channel Catfish
is a popular species but not usually good for most home aquariums.
This fish gets BIG at 4 feet long. It comes in two main varieties,
Blue and Albino. The underbelly of this species is almost always
light in color. This fish is long and slender with long whiskers
on it's face. The eyes are small in comparison to the body
and proportionately small pectoral and caudal fins.
The habitat will have to have plants of some kind, fake are recommended
because Channels will most likely destroy live ones. Provide
smooth gravel as the substrate. Sand bottom aquariums will most
likely always be messy due to this breeds digging habits. Rough
substrates like glass rock are forbidden. In addition, any decorations
used must also be smooth. The skin of this fish can become damaged
easily. Light current is appreciated.
Feed this fish a variety of food. Flakes, frozen, pellets,
live, and preserved are all acceptable. However, this fish
should be fed a primary diet of meaty sinking foods.
Channel cats can tolerate a wide range of water conditions
and temperatures. They can be placed in aquariums (large) without
heaters and sometimes ponds. If being placed in a pond the
specimen should be at least 1 year old. If in a pond a heater
should be used but is not required if the water doesn't freeze
completely during the winter.
Sexing is unknown.
Not much is known about the breeding habits of these fish
except that they are egg-layers and require a very large environment
to breed. They will lay eggs in a hole that has been previously
created by the parents. |
