L-Catfish: Everything You Need to Know
With L-catfish, respectively loricariidae, it is a family from the order of the catfish. L-catfish originate from South and Central America and, with more than 80 genera and well over 1,000 different species, are among the most species-rich fish families there are.
In addition to their occurrence in the wild, L-catfish have now also developed into popular ornamental fish for keeping in aquaria. This is especially true for those species that eat algae and thus help to keep the aquarium clean.
The meaning of the L-number
The L-numbers are a code system used to identify newly introduced loricariid catfish which are not clearly identifiable. For the allocation of an L-number it is necessary that the species concerned has been presented in the aquarium magazine DATZ.
The system was introduced in 1988, after countless previously undescribed L-catfish were newly imported within a short period of time. The L-numbers are assigned consecutively. For species described in the meantime it is basically obsolete. In practice, however, it is often still used.
Characteristics of L-catfish
L-catfish have an elongated, flattened body and are armored at the sides. In some species the armour can also extend to the abdomen. The mouth of the Loricariid catfish has the shape of a sucking disc, which makes it ideal for eating growing food on roots and stones.
Another characteristic feature of L-catfish are the long barbels, which most species grow around the mouth. In terms of size, there are very big differences within the Loricariid family. While small species reach a length of just three or four centimetres, others can grow up to one metre.
Popular Loricariid species
There are over 800 described and an estimated 700 more undescribed species of loricariid catfish. The selection of L-catfish for keeping in the aquarium is therefore large.
Among others the following L-catfish are popular with aquarists:
- Brown Antenna Catfish
- Sign catfish
- Ear grid sucker catfish
- Ornamental banded dwarf shield catfish
- Golden catfish
How old are L-catfish?
As much as L-catfish differ concerning their body size, so differently also their life expectancy turns out. If kept in a species-appropriate way the fish in the aquarium can reach an age of up to 25 years. Some species, however, only reach an age of about five years.
Keep L-catfish in the fish tank
The L-catfish are well suited for keeping in a fish tank.
It makes a big difference whether the adult Loricariid catfish is 5 or 50 cm long though. Regardless of its size, the fish tank should be equipped with wood and stones. A planting is not necessary for L-catfish.
Keep L-catfish with other ornamental fish
Most L-catfish are nocturnal and therefore need hiding places to which they can retreat. In principle loricariid catfish are peaceful. However, they can show a distinctive territorial behaviour towards conspecifics.
When interacting with other ornamental fish, on the other hand, they prove to be uncomplicated, whereby both the characteristics of the respective Loricariid catfish and those of the other fish species must be taken into account.
The right diet for L-catfish
The nutritional requirements of L-catfish can vary depending on the species. For among the Loricariid catfish there are pure carnivores and herbivores as well as omnivores, which eat both animal and vegetable food.
Some species also need wood for their digestion, which can be provided to them in the aquarium in the form of soft roots.
High quality ornamental fish food from Aquaris for Loricariid Catfish
Regardless of the specific nutritional needs of different L-catfish, it is of course important to pay attention to good quality when choosing food. We therefore recommend that you choose catfish food from Aquaris.
Our Green Chips are ideal to provide herbivorous L-catfish with all necessary nutrients and to support the health and vitality of the fish.
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