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CATFISH
ARIIDAE FAMILY
The Ariidae, Shark Catfish, or Sea Catfish family includes a single genus,
Arius,
and is found in brackish and salt water throughout the world. Estimates exceeding 120 species have been made.
Shark Catfish, Colombian Shark Catfish
[
Pictures
]
Arius seemani
SYN
:
Arius jordani, Hexanematichthys seemani, Tachisurus seemani
PD
: The body is elongated and silver in color and the belly is white. The fins are black and white-tipped. The head is broad, with a large mouth. The eyes are large and protrude from the head. The Shark Catfish possesses three pairs of barbels; one on the upper jaw and two on the lower. The color contrasts fade with age.
SIZE
: To 24" (60 cm) in nature, although rarely larger than 15" (38 cm) in captivity.
SS
: Other
Arius
species
H
: North, Central, and South America; estuaries of tidal rivers and lagoons from Southern California to Peru on the Pacific Coast
A
: bottom, middle
TANK
: A 40" (102 cm) or 45-55 gallons (170-209 L) is sufficient for young individuals. Adults need a tank of at least 64" (163 cm) or 100-125 gallons (378-472 L). The tank should be well lighted, maybein a position to receive morning sun. A strong filter is necessary for a powerful current and a good turn-overrate. Provide many caves and hiding places.
WATER
: pH 6.8-8 (7.6), 8-30 dH (16), 72-81°F (22-27°C). A 2% addition of salt is necessary. This can be accomplished by adding 15 TSP. of salt/ 10 gallons (20 g of salt/10 L).
SB
: Combine only with larger, sturdy fish who live in brackish water. These fish are capable of swallowing fish up to 67% of their length. Keep in groups of four or more individuals.
SB
: Adults can be combined with marine species; young can be combined with
Anableps, Monodactylus, Scatophagus
,
Tetraodon
, and
Toxotes
species.
FOOD
: Live; fish, crustaceans, insect larvae; tablets. This species prefers food in chunks. Has huge appetite and may attack other tank mates if not fed sufficiently.
SC
: Females plumper when over 12" (30 cm).
B
: Unsuccessful in captivity because of the area needed. Spawning has been observed in nature. It takes places in freshwater and brackish estuaries. Up to 100 marble-sized eggs are mouth-brooded by the male.
BP
: 10. Breeding has not been accomplished in aquaria.
R
: A very active fish. Can only be kept in fresh or brackish water while juveniles. With age more salt must be added to the water. Adults require sea water or brackish water. Some populations of this fish migrate south from California during the colder parts of the year. By rotating its pectoral fin in its socket, adult fish can make a loud, croaking sound. This sound is amplified by the swim bladder.
DC
: 4 (while young). Young fish are extremely hardy, but aggressive and require live foods. 7(adult). Adults need to be kept in salt water, and are highly aggressive towards smaller fish.
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