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Guide To Catfish And Loaches
![]() CLICK FOR DOWNLOAD ---------------------------------
KINGDOM : Animalia
PHYLUM : Chordata
CLASS : Actinopterygii
ORDER : Siluriformes
FAMILY : Doradidae
GENUS : Oxydoras
SPECIES Oxydoras Niger
Leptodoras,Siluriformes,Doradidae ![]() CLICK FOR DOWNLOAD |
TURUSHUKI RIPSAW CATFISH The ripsaw catfish (Oxydoras niger) or cuiu cuiu is a species of thorny catfish native to the Amazon, Essequibo and Sao Francisco basins in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Venezuela. This species grows to a length of 100 centimetres SL and weights up to 13 kilograms . This species is a minor component of local commercial fisheries. Has lateral thorns that can damage a potential predator or handler. It feeds by shifting through sand and detecting eatable parts with the taste receptors in the roof and floor of its mouth.
Also known as talking catfish or plated catfish. Can be heard making audible noises.
Ecology
O. niger occurs over mud in streams and lakes. It is known from temperatures ranging from 24-29.8 C, pH range of 5-9, and an alkalinity range of 42-142. It is known to form schools. This species feeds on detritus, chironomid and ephemeropteran larvae, and crustaceans.
Diet
An omnivorous detrivore. Wild fish consume anything edible they find as they sift through the substrate, although a large proportion of the diet is composed of benthic crustaceans and the larval forms of various insects. Will accept most aquarium foods. Ensure vegetable matter and live or frozen foods form a regular part of the diet.
In the aquarium
O. niger is a popular aquarium fish species. In the hobby, it goes by many names, including black talking catfish, razorback catfish, mother of snails catfish, ripsaw catfish, and black doradid.This species grows to a large size and are often bought by unsuspecting aquarists when small. They will rapidly outgrow smaller tanks, so the aquarium should be as large as possible. O. niger is especially light shy and should be provided with sheltered areas to hide. Although these fish are peaceful, very small tankmates are still at risk of being eaten. This species readily accepts prepared foods. O. niger has not been bred under aquarium conditions.
Behaviour and Compatibility
Gentle giant. Keep with other large peaceful species such as other large cats, arowana and large characins such as pacu and silver dollars. May eat fish small enough to fit in its mouth.
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