Aquarium bottom feeder fish are that normally eat on the bottom and have months pointing downward and have months pointing downward to come in close contact with the bottom. Catfish and loaches are the most common ones. Here's everything you need to know about them.

Aquarium Bottom Feeder Fish -- Facts

1. Species:

   Catfish and loaches are the most common aquarium bottom feeder fish. There are 37 known families of the catfish. But their compatibility with other fish need to be judged.

2. Size:

   Bottom feeders are generally small catfish are 1-2m only. Large sizes are generally a myth only.

3. Life Span:

   The life span of bottom feeders can be 15-20 years. It can exceed 25 years with special care.

4. Scientific:

   They are the smallest vertebrae and catfish belonging to the order Siluriformes. There are around 2000 species of the catfish.

5. Varieties:

   Channel catfish, white catfish, blue catfish, and several varieties can be found.

6. Origins:

   Wels catfish is the only one native to Europe. They originated in South east Asia and Greece.

7. Physical Traits:

   They are known for their special burbles and mouths typical to bottom feeders. They also have a ray that releases a stinging protein when the fish is irritated. Most of these are without scales.

Aquarium Bottom Feeder Fish - Care

1. Water Conditions:

   They are normally happy in freshwater. During spawning they need warmer surroundings.

2. Food:

   They feed on aquatic insects at the bottom of sand, gravel or rubal.

3. Compatibility:

   They are normally compatible in a multi-community tank but they do have a habit to feed on smaller fish.

Aquarium Bottom Feeder Fish -- Concerns

1. Benefits:

   They have a long life span and can be there for you for years with good care.

2. Liabilities:

   The stinging protein can be very harsh in some species of catfish.

3. Health Issues:

   Fish generally don't have many health issues if kept in a clean environment according to their needs.

4. Specific Care Needs:

   Carrion should not fed to bottom feeder cat fish.

5. Special Household Needs:

   Since they are bottom dwellers the gravel at the aquatic bottom needs to be kept debris clean.

Aquarium Bottom Feeder Fish -- How to Choose

1. What to Look for:

   The choice depends on the owners as per the color and sex of the fish.

2. Supplies:

   Gravel vacuum or old toothbrush to regularly clean the bottom.