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CATFISH
MALAPTERURIDAE FAMILY
The Malapteruridae or Electric Catfish Family consists of one genus and three species distributed throughout Central Africa. These fish posses the ability todischarge up to 350 volts in order to catch prey and defend themselves.
Electric Catfish
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Malapterurus electricus
SYN
: Silurus electricus
PD
: An elongated, thickset species having small beady eyes. There are three pairs of barbels protruding from the mouth. This species lacks a dorsal fin, but hasa rounded caudal fin. The body coloration is dark-pink to beige with irregular black spotting. Just prior to the caudal peduncle is a broad, dark markingfollowed by a whitish-pink stripe. At the caudal peduncle is another dark, broad band. The fins are generally colorless except for the caudal fin which has acurved brown stripe.
SIZE
: To 39" (100 cm) in nature, although usually not larger than 12" (30 cm).
SS
: Other Malapterurus species.
HAB
: Widespread throughout tropical Africa; Zaire, Niger, Volta, and Nile Rivers.
S
: bottom
TANK
: A tank measuring 48" (122 cm) with a capacity of 55 gallons (209 L) is sufficient. Provide hiding places among rocks and caves. The lighting should bedim. This species will burrow in the gravel at night, so plants should be well-rooted or potted.
WATER
: pH 7-7.8 (7.0), 5-20 dH (10), 73-86°F (23-30°C)
SB
: A predatory species that should be kept singly. Other tank mates may be "shocked." This is a nocturnal species.
SC
: None
FOOD
: Live; fish, crustaceans, worms,
insect larvae
; chopped meat.
SEX
: Unknown.
B
: Unsuccessful. This species is a cave spawner.
BP
: 10. Has not be accomplished in aquaria.
R
: This species is equipped with electrical organs in the cutaneous layer of the skin. The fish insulates itself against shock by a thick fatty layer. The head is thenegative pole, while the tail is the positive pole. This species will grow accustomed to their keeper and may take food from oneÍs hand.
DC
: 7. This hardy species requires live foods. The Electric Catfish should be kept alone. Take care when preforming maintenance.
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Recent news
Governments, public failing to save world's species
(11/04/2009)
According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) 2008 report, released yesterday, 36 percent of the total species evaluated by the organization are threatened with extinction. If one adds the species classified as Near Threatened, the percentage jumps to 44 percent—nearly half.
Atlantic bluefin tuna should be banned internationally: ICCAT scientists
(10/29/2009)
Scientists with the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) have said in a new report that a global ban on Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing is justified. ICCAT meets in November to decide if they will follow their scientist's recommendations.
The Yangtze River may have lost another inhabitant: the Chinese paddlefish
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In December of 2006 it was announced that the Yangtze River dolphin, commonly known as the baiji, had succumbed to extinction. The dolphin had survived on earth for 20 million years, but the species couldn't survive the combined onslaught of pollution, habitat loss, boat traffic, entanglement in fishing hooks, death from illegal electric fishing, and the construction of several massive dams. Now, another flagship species of the Yangtze River appears to have vanished.
Freshwater species worse off than land or marine
(10/15/2009)
Scientists have announced that freshwater species are likely the most threatened on earth. Extinction rates for freshwater inhabitants are currently four to six times the rates for terrestrial and marine species. Yet, these figures have not lead to action on the ground.
New species of ghostshark discovered off California's coast
(09/22/2009)
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Photos: new deep sea species discovered off the Canary Islands
(09/21/2009)
Owned by Spain, but located just off the northwest coast of Africa, the Canary Islands sport a wide variety of marine life, including five species of marine turtles, ten species of sharks and rays, and innumerable fish and invertebrates. However, a new expedition has gone beyond the known, sending a robot to depths of 500 meters to discover the secrets of the Canary Island's deep sea.
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