January 2017 Newsletter

Raleigh Aquarium Society (RAS) Volume 36, Issue 1 January 2017

The Raleigh Aquarium Society (RAS) is an incorporated organization which meets on the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 pm in the South Theater of the NCSU CVM campus (North Carolina State University - College of Veterinary Medicine) located at 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607. Meeting agendas begin with introductions, followed by a discussion of assorted business topics, then by a program of interest to the membership, and conclude with door prizes and a silent auction of fish, plants, and equipment/supplies. Complimentary light refreshments are provided and guests are always welcome. For more information, visit us at http://www.raleighaquariumsociety.org/ or e-mail us at [email protected]. On the internet, you can also locate us on either YAHOO or FACEBOOK (www.groups.yahoo.com/raleighaquariumsociety or www.facebook.com/raleighaquariumsociety). RAS is a member in good standing of the Federation of American Aquarium Societies (FAAS) and the International Federation of Online Clubs and Aquatic Societies (IFOCAS) whose mission is to increase the knowledge, enjoyment, and conservation of home aquariums and ponds for the modern aquarist hobbyist and professional at all levels of experience and expertise.

NOTE: RAS club meetings are held in the South Theater of the NCSU Veterinary School Library, downstairs level. Park across the street and enter via the main library lobby no later than 8:00 pm.

Table of Contents: ...... 2 January 2017 Program (Thursday, 1/5/17 @ 7:30pm - “ The Fish And Plants Of Uruguay ” : ...... 2 R AS 2017 Calendar of Events: ...... 3 RAS Club Officers and Committee Chairs: ...... 4 From the Fishing Desk: ...... 4 Fishy Business: ...... 5 Proposal Status ...... 5 Fish & Trips: ...... 5 January Event – Bonefish Grill ...... 5 Fish Activities: ...... 6 January 2017 Silent Auction (SA) Report ...... 6 January 2017 Breeder’s Award Program (BAP) Report ...... 6 January 2017 Horticultural Award Program (HAP) Report ...... 7 Fish Bowl: ...... 8 Fish Fossils: ...... 9 Spawning The Rainbow Goby ...... 9 Fish Market: ...... 10 Fish Nets: ...... 11 Fish Posts: ...... 12 Aquarium Checklist...... 12 RAS 2017 Workshop Poster ...... 13 Don’t Overlook November Catfish ...... 15 Fish Recipes: ...... 17 Fish School: ...... 18 Fish Tails: ...... 24 Catfish ...... 24 25 Common Catfish Species for Aquariums ...... 25 “SoMeThInG’s PhIsHy”: ...... 29 Go Fish!: ...... 30 RAS Sponsors: ...... 31 RAS Membership Application: ...... 32

January 2017 Program (Thursday, 1/5/17 @ 7:30pm - “ The Fish And Plants Of Uruguay ” :

To begin the New Year, RAS founding member Neil Frank will present his experiences on a recent collecting field trip to South America, more specifically, Uruguay. His talk will explore the unique flora and fauna of this untouched country plus highlight some of the logistics in getting there and back, plus what to expect once you get there. We hope you can join us!

Keep those silent auction items coming in! As discussed at the December 2016 meeting, RAS no longer has a monthly raffle, but we are now doing door prizes. Visit the auction tables before each meeting to drop off your donations or sellable items. In an effort to improve their quality, please submit your items early so we can check them for suitability. You’ll get a portion of the auction proceeds as per our bylaws. We’re always looking for relevant and informative aquatic-related programs to educate our membership. Contact our Programs Chairman if you are interested in presenting.

Club Meetings Board Mtgs. W.S./Auctions Fish Food Field Trips Other January 5th 19th February 2nd 16th March 2nd 16th 10th – 12h April 6th 20th May 4th 18th June 1st 15th 10th July 6th 20th August 3rd 17h September 7th 21st October 5th 19th November 2nd 16th 5th December 7th 21st 7th 30th

2017 RAS Monthly Meeting Programs (topics and speakers subject to change): January = “ The Fish And Plants Of Uruguay ” – Neil Frank February = “ Aquarium Filtration ” – Les Wilson March = “ Aquatic Plants “ – Diana Walstad April = “ Pizza Social “ – RAS Board May = “ Discus 101 “ – Lee Shadbolt June = “ Fish Biology “ – Mac Law July = “ open “ – tbd August = “ Building A Fishroom “ – Larry Jinks September = “ open “ – tbd October = “ More On Plants “ – Chris Smith November = “ Plecos ” – Juan Dameliness December = “ Holiday Party and BAP Awards “ – RAS Board

President and Vendor Coordinator: Maggie Poole [dalqueen123 @ yahoo.com] Vice-President and Workshop Chairman: Chris Smith [ctyank @ frontier.com] Secretary, Membership, and Newsletter Editor: Michael Maieli [michaelmaieli @ aol.com] Treasurer and BAP Chairman: Larry Jinks [bapman13 @ hotmail.com] Past President: Todd Wenzel [wenzelt @ netzero.net]

Monthly Silent Auction Chairman: Richard Poole [dalking123 @ yahoo.com] Trips Chairman and Yahoo Forums Administrator: Gerald Pottern [gbpottern @ yahoo.com] Program and HAP Chairman: Neil Frank [nfrank @ mindspring.com] Utility Chairman: Jeff Jenkins [jeff00nc @ aol.com] Mail Order Chairmen: H. Greensword, J. Hamm, and C. Hildreth Social Media Chairman: Robert Crawford [photorob @ gmail.com] Webmaster: Matt DeGroodt [degmat @ gmail.com]

From the Fishing Desk:

First…Happy New Year to everyone associated with RAS! We hope all have a safe, prosperous, and enjoyable 2017. Your new board was elected in December, and they have a dedicated mission to ensure everyone in the Society gets the most value and enjoyment possible.

Please remember that membership dues are due in January. Rates have not been increased. Membership dues are $20.00 per calendar year, starting each January 1. This is a per-household (single voting member) price. Pro-rated fees for joining at other times of the year are listed on the application form (the last page of every newsletter). Kindly remit your dues in person to the club treasurer or by mail to our P. O. Box. Membership cards are available from the club secretary.

The new urban dictionary defines “catfish” in a slightly different way than we do. To be “catfished” is to be conned or duped, especially via the bag guys on the internet. Truth be told, catfish aren’t bad guys at all; they are extremely important creatures to the modern aquarist, as these (primarily) bottom dwellers do a lot to ensure the health and cleanliness of our aquariums. They have their own hobbyist societies specializing on them, academic branches of study, and were one of the first aquaculture industries. There are so many other things they’re known for, and we have caught quite a few of them on our various field trips and many natives currently reside in our tanks and ponds. They are good to eat too! In this issue of the newsletter, you’ll find articles, pictures, and facts relating to all of this.

Contributions to this newsletter are always welcome. This includes business/technical articles, items to buy/sell/trade/donate items, activity updates, forum posts, trip reports, classes, job openings, etc. Submit news softcopy via e-mail or hardcopy via our P.O.Box. When communication to us in any form, please include your full name, phone number, and e-mail address. Monthly newsletters are published about a week prior to each regular club meeting and sent blindcopy to your e-mail address on file. If you have any updates to your contact information (including subscription removal), or any questions about our newsletter, forum, web page, or FACEBOOK page, please contact the club secretary. FYI, last month’s find the hidden RAS logo was contained in the “Fish School” section. A final note should be made about the locations we use for any of our meetings, events, or outings - please keep in mind that we are guests of these facilities and must treat all property and equipment in a responsible manner. Direct any concerns to the club secretary. Thank you for your actions.

Proposal Status By Michael V. Maieli

The latest RAS board meeting was held at 7:30pm on 12/15/16 at the Ramada Inn. Any club member can attend any board meeting at any time to provide any input on any item of business. Board meetings usually occur on the 3rd Thursday of each month (same time as the regular club meetings), but locations change, so check with the club secretary for exact details.

Proposals/actions discussed or general FYI items include:  RAS Elections held at the December meeting [elected officers for 2017 are M. Poole = President, C. Smith = Vice-President, M. Maieli = Secretary, L. Jinks = Treasurer] (contact = RAS Board).  Monthly meeting raffles have been replaced with door prizes (contact = M. Poole).  P. O. Box renewal (contact = M. Maieli).  Speaker guidelines revisited & enacted (contact = N. Frank).  RAS meetings to remain on first Thursdays of the month (contact = M. Maieli).

Proposals/actions passed include:  Treasurer’s report/analysis (contact = L. Jinks).  Ongoing preparations for 2017 Workshop [speaker logistics, food, etc.] (contact = C. Smith).  Sergeant-at-arms position (contact = L. Jinks).  Meeting time/place for RAS board meetings (contact = M. Poole).

Proposals/actions denied include:  None.

Proposals/actions pending include:  Use of credit cards at RAS events [D-square] (contact = C. Smith).  Board meeting tie-breaker (contact = RAS board).

Fish & Trips:

January Event – Bonefish Grill By Gerald Pottern

In January, we’ll kick the New Year off with a simple dinner at Bonefish Grill in North Hills (off I-440 at Six Forks Road next to Verizon). We have been there before and it is quite elegant. How does 6pm on Thursday January 12 sound? If you’re interested in attending, please send us an e-mail.

We’re always looking for neat places to go (aquariums, pet shops, conventions, etc.), things to do (collecting trips, dining, community projects, etc.), or people to meet (parties, socials, meetups, etc.). If you have any suggestions, contact Gerald at [email protected].

January 2017 Silent Auction (SA) Report By Larry Jinks

Due to our holiday party in December, there was no silent auction. We did have a big raffle which included several complete aquarium setups, and we hope all who attended had a great time. We wish everyone a safe and prosperous new year as we enter 2017. This is also a good time to remind our members that starting at the January meeting we will no longer be having a monthly raffle (we will still be having our monthly silent auction however). In its place, we will be giving out substantial door prizes for several lucky attendees. More on this will be explained at the next meeting.

Regarding the monthly silent auction, most members donate their auction items to support club activities, but members are eligible for a 50% split with the club if desired. Checks for monthly auction splits will be available at the following month’s meeting. Again, monthly auction splits and participation in other member benefits (Kens Fish order, frozen food order, live fish order, field trips, etc.) are only available to current dues paid members. We thank the membership for their generous donations to the monthly auction to build our treasury which allows us to bring in monthly speakers and provide quality events, such as our spring workshop with a native fish collecting trip, a “meet and greet” party, six great talks by renowned speakers and a catered banquet with a talk followed the next day by a giant auction. Plan ahead to attend these great events! The club also pays for shipping on group orders of supplies (monthly), frozen food (quarterly) and live fish (occasionally). Through the monthly auction quality livestock and plants are provided to the membership at reasonable prices which enables the membership to try working with new species of fish and plants that they won’t see at local shops. If you have any extra fish, plants or aquatic items, please consider a donation to the auction to help build our treasury. The auction form will be posted on the website to allow members to save time by downloading the forms and filling them out before the meeting. See Rick and Maggie Poole at monthly meetings to enter items in the auction and be sure to check the tables in the back of the meeting room for more aquatic treasures.

January 2017 Breeder’s Award Program (BAP) Report By Larry Jinks

The annual holiday party is the time for awarding plaques for achievement in the Breeder Award Program and reflecting on the past year. The BAP continued again this past year to gain strength as more members participated. The following is a summary of the participation and plaques awarded at the holiday party:

Breeder - 50 points Intermediate Breeder - 150 points Advanced Breeder - 300 points Master Breeder - 500 points Expert Breeder - 750 points Superior Breeder - 1000 points Premier Breeder - 1500 points Grand Master Breeder - 2000 points (Additional awards are given at each 500 point increment, and the “Breeder of the Year” award is given for the most points in a year from December to December. We also introduced in 2016 a Specialty program which was instituted with 16 specialty classes.)

Historically, we had in 2013 – 7 members for 46 entries; in 2014 – 11 members for 68 entries (17 total participants); in 2015 - 9 members for 73 entries (19 total participants); and in 2016 – 13 members with 71 entries (20 total participants).

The 2016 BAP Plaques awarded included:

Chip Hildreth - Breeder Award (50 points) Juan Damelines - Breeder Award (50 points) Matt DeGroodt - Intermediate Breeder Award (150 pts) Chip Hildreth - Intermediate Breeder Award (150 points) Dan Koenig - Advanced Breeder Award (300 points) Matt DeGroodt - Advanced Breeder Award (300 points) Frank Montillo - Livebearer Specialist

Larry Jinks - Old World Cichlid Specialist Larry Jinks - New World Cichlid Specialist Larry Jinks - Livebearer Specialist

For the 2016 “Frank Montillo Breeder of the Year” awards:

Larry Jinks - 16 species/240 points Matt DeGroodt - 12 species/140 points Chip Hildreth - 10 species/135 points Juan Damelines - 11 species/130 points Elvin Eaton - 7 species/125points

We applaud the hard work that the members put in to achieve these awards and thank all of those who donated their BAP entries to raise money for the club. We look forward to the continued expansion of the BAP as more members join in the fun! Through the monthly auction the Breeder Award Program provides quality livestock to the membership at reasonable prices and enables the membership to try working with new species of fish that they won’t see at local shops. Anyone who would like to join the BAP can contact chairman Larry Jinks at meetings or e-mail him at [email protected]. The BAP standings are now posted on the website along with the rules and entry form. Members don’t have to have anyone come to their house, but can bring six fry at least 60 days old to a meeting with a completed BAP form (found on the website). There are four options to get credit for the entry: 1. Enter the fish in the monthly auction or weekend workshop auction, 2. Donate the fish to the monthly raffle, 3. Write an article on the spawning for the monthly newsletter, or 4. Do a presentation at a monthly meeting.

The Breeder Award Program revisions can be seen on our new website along with the restructured submission form. Webmaster Matt DeGroodt has developed an electronic submission form which most members have been using. Matt and I have also entered the BAP records on the website so you can check on the record of your entries on line or see what other members have entered. This allows for the spread of information and allows you to see which members have worked with which species of fish. You could contact members or talk to them at meetings to see if they have any of the fish still available or can give you advice on working with that species. Don’t forget our new specialty program which is outlined on our website under the BAP section. Any questions about the specialty program can be directed to BAP chairman Larry Jinks.

Below are the current BAP standings:

Annual BAP Standings (as of 1/1/17) Cumulative BAP Standings (as of 1/1/17) 1. ? = ? 1. Larry Jinks = 1935 2. ? = ? 2. Frank Montillo = 835 3. ? = ? 3. Todd Wenzel = 695 4. Elvin Eaton = 455 5. Matt DeGroodt = 335 6. Neil Frank = 325 7. Dan Koenig = 300 8. Eric Hanneman = 250 9. Gerald Pottern = 230 10. Chip Hildreth = 150 11. Juan Dameliness = 130 12. Dave Herlong = 120 13. Ben Guardiola = 55 14. Allan O’Briant = 45 15. Richard Poole = 35 16. Cary Perkinson = 40 17. Nora Bryan, Jared Brown = 15 19. Same Jenkins, Jesse Perry = 10

January 2017 Horticultural Award Program (HAP) Report By Neil Frank

Coming soon!

[COLOR KEY TO REFERENCES: BOOKS - CATALOGS - CORPORATIONS - MAGAZINES - NEWSPAPERS - WEB SITES]

1. About Fish Online website = http://www.aboutfishonline.com/

2. Age Of Aquariums website = http://www.aquahobby.com/age_of_aquariums.php

3. Aqueon Corporation = http://www.aqueonproducts.com/products/aquariums/

4. Aquaarticles website = http://aquarticles.com/articles/index.html

5. Aquatic Community website = http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/

6. Bailey Brothers Aquarium Fish website = http://www.aquariumfish.net/

7. Daily Tarheel newspaper = http://www.dailytarheel.com/

8. Dennis Bangerter’s “Know Your Stuff: Cichlids” = http://freepdfbooks.tripod.com/downloads/cichlids.pdf

9. Doctors Foster & Smith Aquarium Supply catalog = http://www.drsfostersmith.com/fish-supplies/pr/c/3578

10. Durham Herald Sun newspaper = http://www.heraldsun.com/news/localnews

11. Fish website = http://www.fish.com/

12. Fish Channel’s website = http://www.fishchannel.com/

13. Fishlore’s website = http://www.fishlore.com/

14. Hagen Corporation = http://usa.hagen.com/

15. New Aquarium Information website = http://www.newaquariuminformation.com/index.html

16. Pet Solutions Sales catalog = http://www.petsolutions.com/

17. Raleigh News & Observer newspaper = http://www.newsobserver.com/news/

18. Tetra Corporation = http://www.tetra-fish.com/Splash.aspx

19. Tim’s Tropical Fish & Aquariums website = http://www.tropicalfishandaquariums.com/

20. Tropical Fish Data’s website = http://www.tropicalfishdata.com/

21. Tropical Fish Hobbyist magazine = http://www.tfhmagazine.com/

22. Tropical Tank’s website = http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/Fishindx/fishindx.htm

23. Wardley’s Corporation (a Hartz Company) = http://wardley.com/

24. Wildlife In North Carolina magazine = http://www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/MultimediaCenter/WildlifeinNorthCarolina.aspx

25. William Berg’s “Tropical Fish Beginner’s guide” = http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/Tropical_Fish- A_Beginners_Guide.pdf

Spawning The Rainbow Goby By Sallie Boggs (This article was published in the 11/84 edition of the newsletter)

 FOR SALE: RAS-logo’ed apparel; various types of shirts, hats, jackets, towels, soft briefcases, etc. Contact Queensboro Apparel Company [http://raleighaquariumsociety.qbstores.com/]. {never expires}

 FOR SALE: RAS mail orders; (club pays shipping and tax; available to members only) {never expires} Ken’s Fish: fish, $ varies by purchase. Contact Chip Hildreth [[email protected]], Jehmco: frozen food, $ varies by purchase. Contact Jon Hamm [[email protected]], Wet Spot: fish and plants, $ varies by purchase. Contact Chris Smith [[email protected]]

 FREE: Convict babies; my favorite fish have been fruitful and multiplied a lot this season and babies need homes. Contact Michael Maieli [(919)848-3053 or [email protected]]. {expires 1/31/17}

 FOR SALE: Various fishtanks; 20 gallon with stand = $60, 29 gallon with light = $100, 55 gallon with stand = $150. Contact Ferrell Varney [(919)780-0447 or [email protected]]. {expires 1/31/17}

 FOR SALE: Various fishtanks; 10 gallon = $10, 30 gallon = $30. No extras. Contact Kenny Dale [(919)480-3994 or [email protected]]. {expires 1/31/17}

 FREE: Saltwater bluefish; he is just too aggressive towards my puffer and I have to get rid of him. Contact George Needham [(919)434-6200 or [email protected] ]. {expires 1/31/17}

 FOR SALE: 75 gallon setup; tank, stand, LED lighting, hood, heater, pump, filter, chemical, ornaments = $380. Contact Summer Hites [(919)232-1053 or [email protected]] {expires 2/28/17}

 FOR SALE: 50 gallon setup; plus angelfish! Tank, stand, heater, filter, ornaments = $175. Contact Jimmy Angela [(919)262-4155 or [email protected]]. {expires 2/28/17}

 WANTED: Unwanted aquarist supplies. Do you have aquarist hobby items you no longer need? I’ll buy them from you. Contact Jason Gould [(336)848-6241 or [email protected]]. {expires 2/28/17}

 FOR TRADE: Guppies; I have a lot of them – call me. Contact Francis Varnum [(919)780-0447 or [email protected]]. {expires 2/28/17}

 FOR SALE; 50 gallon “bow front” fishtank; includes black stainless cabinet, heater, filter, ornaments, and food. $175. Contact Nat Angus [(919)262-4155 or [email protected]]. {expires 3/31/17}

 FOR SALE: 55 gallon fishtank; no extras but in great condition. $200. Contact Jasmine Crepy [(803)665-7106 or [email protected]]. {expires 3/31/17}

 FOR SALE: Fishtank setup; comes with a 55 gallon tank with heater, filter, hood, light, ornaments, and extras. $200. Contact Kenny Pella [(704)433-1141 or [email protected]]. {expires 3/31/17}

Fish Nets:

 US Directory (for all national clubs and societies) = http://www.ifocas.org/usstates/unitedstates.htm or http://www.fishchannel.com/fish-community/fish-clubs-and-societies.aspx

 Aquarium Enthusiasts of the Triad (located in Winston Salem, NC) = webpage in progress {only FACEBOOK page available}

 Atlanta Area Aquarium Association (located in Atlanta, GA) = www.atlantaaquarium.com

 Brooklyn Aquarium Society (located in Brooklyn, NY) = www.brooklynaquariumsociety.org

 Capital Cichlid Association (located in Silver Spring, MD) = www.capitalcichlids.org

 Carolina Fishtalk forum (located in Durham, NC) = www.carolinafishtalk.com/forum

 Charlotte Area Aquarists Society (located in Charlotte, NC) = www.aquacharlotte.org

 Columbia Marine Aquarium Club (located in Columbia, SC) = www.columbiamac.org

 Duke University Marine Laboratory (located in Beaufort, NC) = www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab

 East Tennessee Reef Club (located in Knoxville, TN) = www.easttnreefclub.com

 Greater Washington Area Aquatic Plant Association (located in Washington, DC) = www.gwapa.org

 Iowa Aquaria Association (located in Waterloo, IA) = http://www.iowa-aquaria.com

 James River Aquarium Society (located in Richmond, VA) = www.jamesriveraquariumsociety.org

 Jersey Shore Aquarium Society (located in Freehold, NJ) = www.jerseyshoreas.org

 Marine Aquarium Society of the Carolinas (located in Raleigh, NC) = www.reefkeeping.com

 North Carolina Aquarium Society (located in Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores, & Fort Fisher, NC) = www.ncaquariums.com

 North Carolina Koi & Watergarden Society (located in Raleigh, NC) = www.nckws.net

 NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine (located in Raleigh, NC; (919) 513 - 6218) = www.cvm.ncsu.edu

 North Jersey Aquarium Society (located in Lynhurst, NJ) = www.njas.net

 Potomac Valley Aquarium Society (located in Fairfax, VA) = www.pvas.com

 South Carolina Aquarium Society (Greenville, SC) = www.scaquariasociety.com

 South Jersey Guppy Group (located in Griggstown, NJ) = www.guppysa2z.com

 UNC Wilmington Marine Biology Laboratory (located in Wilmington, NC) = www.uncw.edu/career/marinebiology

Fish Posts:

Aquarium Checklist By Staff Writers; P&K Pets, Stepney, South Africa

RAS 2017 Workshop Poster Posted by Gerald Pottern; [Editor’s Note: RAS Members - Please print & post at local pet shops]

As The Worm Turns By Staff Writers; Raleigh City Water Department

Don’t Overlook November Catfish By Dan Anderson; Staff Writer, Georgia Wildlife Magazine

<…Because everyone loves seafood, right?… Material presented is public use or copyrighted by author/organization and listed when available.>

Fish School:

Fish Tails:

Catfish By Staff Writers; Wikipedia

Catfish belong to a large group of Carp-like fishes, all of which can be recognized by their characteristic pairs of barbels. These whiskered fish can have up to four pairs of barbels, though there are fewer on some species. Barbels are located on the nose, each side of the mouth, and on the chin. The Pimelodidae family, known as the Long-Whiskered catfish, has some of the most extended barbels while the Bushy Nose or Bristle-nose Catfish of the Loricaridae family have a more bush-like appearance. The body shape of most catfish is cylindrical with a flattened belly. They have a large head, small eyes, and a mouth that has no teeth. The mouth can extend outward to feed through suction and gulping actions rather than biting and cutting, especially noticeable on plecos and other suckermouth catfish. Due to their heavy bony head and a reduced gas bladder, they also tend to sink. All these characteristics allow them easy access to detritus, plant matter and other organisms found on the bottoms of rivers, lakes, and streams.

Many catfish species have a maximum length of less than 5 inches (12.7 cm), yet this vast group of fishes is one of the most diverse in size. On the small side are tiny Aspredinidae, which are Banjo Catfish from South American like Hoplomyzon papillatus which reaches less than .79 of inch (2 cm). There are also the miniaturized Trichomycteridae, the Pencil or parasitic catfishes that grow to about an inch (2.6 cm). The well- known Oto Catfish too have some very small members like Otocinclus tapirape which is the smallest of this genus, reaching just over an inch (2.4 cm). On the other side of the size spectrum are huge monster catfish. The largest catfish are both heavy and long. The Mekong Giant Catfish Pangasianodon gigas from Southeast Asia can reach up to 10.5 feet (3.2 m). A Mekong netted in northern Thailand on May 1, 2005 weighed 650 pounds (293 kg), becoming the world record catfish. The longest catfish is the Giant Pangasius or Chao Phraya Giant Catfish Pangasius sanitwongsei, reaching almost 12 feet (3.7 m) in length, followed by the Wels Catfish Siluris glanis of Eurasia, reaching up to 9.8 feet (3 m).

Along with other Carp-like fish and Characins, catfish have a "apparatus”. The Weberian apparatus is a body structure that connects the swim bladder to the auditory system. This apparatus facilitates sound transmission from the swim bladder to the inner ear to increase hearing sensitivity. Catfish can produce sound by abduction of their pectoral fins, making a squeaking sound by rubbing the spines of the pectoral fins into grooves on the shoulders. They use this sound as a warning to both predators and competitors during spawning time. Sound production is especially noticeable in talking catfish of the Doradidae family and in the Mochokidae family of Squeaker Catfish.

Catfish are different from most other fish since they don't have scales. Some are protected by skin that is covered in bony plates called scutes. Those with scutes include the well-known Corydoras. These are armored catfish of the family Callichthyidae that have two rows of plates along the length of the body. Others have armor formed from expanding vertebrata elements that create bony plates. Most Catfish are not dangerous to humans, yet a few species can cause some concern. The tiny parasitic catfish known as Candiru from the Trichomycteridae family, also called the Toothpick fish or Vampire fish, have been said to enter and paralyze the urethra, though there is only one case ever documented. With the exception of the Electric catfish (Malapteruridae), all of these ray-finned fish are protected by strong hollow bony spines extending from the dorsal and pectoral fins. When they feel threatened they extend these fins outward and lock them. These strong bony spines can inflict a severe and painful wound, and in several species these fin rays can deliver a stinging protein. This protein is so strong in catfish in the Plotosidae family Plotosidae and the Heteropneustes genus that a human inflicted may need hospitalization. In the case of the species Plotosus lineatus, the stings could result in death. Legend has it that one catfish, the giant Manguruyu known as the Gilded catfish, Jau

Catfish, and Giant Jelly Catfish Zungaro (syns: Paulicea lutkeni, Paulicea luetkeni), can reach 3 meters in length and has been held responsible for eating small children in such rivers as the Rio Branco in the Amazon basin. A number of fatal attacks between 1998 and 2007 on the Kali River in India and Nepal were alleged to have been by the Goonch catfish Bagarius yarrelli, also called the Killer Catfish. The Goonch was investigated by British biologist Jeremy Wade, but no final conclusions on the truth of these attacks were drawn. The large Wels catfish has also been said to kill small children, but again there is no documented cases. However adults of this species have been known, on extremely rare occasions, to cause some severe injuries.

Catfish can be found in every ecological niche. They are found all over the world, though primarily in fresh water, with the exception of Antarctica. There are some that live in the oceans, though the few catfish that do live in seawater are thought to spawn in brackish water. They are members of a huge order of fish called the Siluriformes, or ray-finned fish, and there are over 2400 catfish varieties. Catfish and humans have a very long history. People have fished and farmed them as a food source for hundreds of years in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. They are also popular in the aquarium hobby. They are enjoyed for their unique appearance but also as helpful scavengers to clean up left over foods. Catfish are generally very hardy and easy to keep. Most are also nocturnal, becoming active at night, so they must be fed in the evening hours. Their eyes are small but they are aided in navigation and feeding by chemoreceptors all across their bodies which allow them to taste and smell anything that is in the water or that they touch. Their feeding habits range from plant-eaters and detritivores (those that scavenge on dead matter), to predators. Make sure they are eating since it's hard to tell with many of the armored catfish if they are losing weight. Be careful when handling catfish since all species have strong, rigid spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins. These spines can pierce the skin and many species have "stings", though most stings are non-venomous. The species list below includes popular catfish varieties as well lesser known species. Each fish guide has in-depth information including their places of origin, habitats and behaviors as well as the fish care needed for successfully keeping them in the aquarium. Catfish pictures are also provided within each fish guide to help with identification, and to aid in choosing pet fish.

25 Common Catfish Species for Aquariums By Staff Writers, www.fishlore.com The catfish species listed here are some of the most popular among hobbyists. These catfish usually are purchased to perform some sort of function in terms of fish tank maintenance. For example, these fishes are known for their scavenging abilities but they too need their own foods just like the rest of the fish in your tank. Some stay on the small side (corydoras) whereas others can get quite large (pleco and Columbian shark) and some can be aggressive (Chinese algae eater). They are all fascinating in their own right and can be great additions to the right tank setup.

Corydoras metae - Bandit Cory - Comes from the rivers of Colombia, South America and has similar care requirements as other corydoras species.

Ancistrus - Bristlenose Pleco - Also known as the bushy nose pleco, the bristlenose pleco is a much better option for most hobbyists instead of the common pleco.

Corydoras aeneus - Bronze Corydoras - A popular Cory cat, does well when kept in groups of

6 or more.

Microglanis iheringi - Bumblebee Catfish - There are 2 types of bumblebee catfish, the South American and the Asian. The South American can be identified by the spot at the base of the caudal fish. This spot is like a square in the South American and a triangle with the tip towards the head for the Asian.

Gyrinocheilos aymonieri - Chinese Algae Eater - Often mistaken for the otocinclus catfish, this algae eater can get big and somewhat aggressive with tank mates as it grows.

Hexanematichthys seemanni - Columbian Shark - A fish that can get large! Only keep them in the largest of aquariums.

Corydoras spp. - Corydoras Catfish - One of the coolest little freshwater tropical fish you can keep. We're biased though since it's one of our all time favorite species.

Panaque maccus - Clown Pleco - A smaller pleco that needs driftwood and veggies in its diet.

Corydoras trilineatus - Corydoras trilineatus - Gets to about 2.3 inches and likes to be kept in schools.

Corydoras hastatus - Dwarf Corydoras - One of three pygmy corydoras species. Gets to about 1 inch in size, needs to be kept in schools.

Kryptopterus Minor - Glass Catfish - The first thing to notice about the Glass catfish is that it has transparent flesh, which allows us to see the spinal cord and internal organs. This transparent fish is also a picky eater; it has been known not to accept flake foods with ease.

Baryancistrus sp. - Gold Nugget Pleco - From 6 to 9 inches and can be quite expensive for a freshwater fish.

Pangasius hypophthalmus - Iridescent Shark - This "freshwater shark" gets way too big for most home aquariums.

Corydoras julii - Julii Corydoras - Bottom dwelling species that does well in groups of 6 or more.

Otocinclus vestitus - Otocinclus Catfish - Great little catfish that eats algae may not do well if not acclimated properly.

Corydoras panda - Panda Corydoras - Bottom dwelling species that does well in groups of 6 or more.

Pimelodus Pictus - Pictus Catfish - Gets to around 4 inches and needs a tank big enough to allow plenty of swimming room. This is a very active catfish.

Platydoras Costatus - Striped Raphael Catfish - This is a medium to large sized catfish (up to 9 inches) that is very active. Being nocturnal, it comes out mostly at night, though they are known for getting

Phractocephalus hemioliopterus - Redtail Catfish - This catfish gets way too big for the majority of home aquariums. You're looking at a tank in the thousands of gallons here. Think large backyard ponds or leave them in the wild or public aquariums.

Panaque nigrolineatus - Royal Pleco - Gets up to around 17 inches so you need a large aquarium if you want to keep this pleco.

Corydoras schwartzi - Schwartz's Cory - Another little corydoras species that seems to do better when kept in small groups of 3 or more.

Corydoras habrosus - Salt and Pepper Cory (Corydoras habrosus) - One of the three pygmy Cory species.

Corydoras sterbai - Sterbai Corydoras - Gets to about 2.7 inches and should be kept in small schools.

Synodontis nigriventris - Upside Down Catfish - Gets to around 4 inches and does well when kept in groups.

Hypancistrus Zebra - Zebra Pleco - A plecostomus that demands high prices due to limited availability. Populations in the wild are threatened.

“SoMeThInG’s PhIsHy”:

“ … Water too pure breeds no fish … “ - Mao Zedong

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Pet Market (50% discount on saltwater fish/coral purchases over $100.00) 5711-E West Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27409; (336) 253-1294; www.petmarket.co

Raleigh Cichlids LLC. (10% discount on everything) Internet business; (919)279-0103 or [email protected]; www.raleighcichlids.com

Reef Keepers Aquarium (10% discount on everything) 1673 Old US Highway 70 West, Clayton, NC 27520; (919) 359-2424; www.reefkeepersaquarium.com

The Pet Pad (10% discount on everything) 1239 Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511; (919) 481-6614; www.petpadpets.com

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