Aguaruna: faʻamatalaga, tausiga ma le tausiga i totonu o se pusa tioata, fetaui

Aguaruna, or Muscular catfish, is a fish belonging to the Flathead catfish family, or Pimelodidae. The fish got its unusual name thanks to the Indian tribe that inhabits the Peruvian jungle in the Marañon River basin. In these places, this unusual species of catfish was once discovered.

Fa'amatalaga, foliga

The flathead catfish family includes several species that differ in shape and size. At the same time, the family is distinguished by the presence of 6 characteristic whiskers. One pair of mustaches is located on the upper jaw, and the other two pairs are located in the chin area.

Manaia le iloa! The muscular catfish is distinguished by a grayish color, while a thin pattern is scattered throughout the body, in the form of black dots, and a characteristic light stripe can be seen under the dorsal and part of the pectoral and ventral fins.

Adults grow up to 35 cm in length. Fish of this family are characterized by the presence of a large and, at the same time, wide head. In this case, it is considered that the eyes have optimal sizes.

The body of the aguaruna is distinguished by an elongated shape, while one of the dorsal fins is high and fairly wide, and the second is long and fairly hard, consisting of 6-7 soft rays. The pectoral fins are quite wide and sickle-shaped. The pelvic fins are slightly smaller than the pectoral fins. The adipose and anal fins are no less long, and the caudal fin has a pronounced separation.

nofoaga masani

It is generally accepted that the homeland of the muscular catfish is South America, as well as the basins of the Marañon and Amazon rivers, which flow through the territory of Peru and Ecuador.

E taua le iloa! The species “Aguarunichthys torosus” prefers to be nocturnal, and most representatives of this species are aggressive towards other species, so they are difficult to keep in aquariums with other fish species.

Flat-headed catfish are found in water bodies of various nature, including fast-flowing rivers, floodplain lakes and backwaters located near the main channel, etc.

Tausia ma le tausiga ile pusa tioata

For this fish, it is very important that the living conditions are very close to natural. This can be achieved by regular maintenance of aquariums and stable and reliable operation of the water filtration and aeration system.

How to equip an aquarium

To feel comfortable with one catfish, you need a container with a volume of up to 500 liters and no less. At the same time, it is very important that the water meets all the necessary indicators, both in composition and in temperature conditions. For example:

• The water temperature in the aquarium is maintained at 22-27 degrees.
• Acidity indicators – from 5,8 to 7,2 pH.
• Hardness indicators – from 5 to 15 dH.
• The soil can be of any type.
• Lighting of any origin.
• Be sure to provide a slight to moderate movement of water.

At the same time, organic waste should not be allowed to accumulate in the aquarium, in the form of excrement or food residues. Due to the nature of the food base, the water in the aquarium quickly becomes unusable.

Diet and regimen

Aguaruna in nature is a classic predator, the basis of the diet of which is fish of other species. If it (catfish) is placed in an aquarium, then it quickly gets used to alternative feeding, in the form of purchased specialized feed or other food components of animal origin. Several times a week, the aguaruna happily eats earthworms, shrimp meat, and strips of white fish.

Fegalegaleaiga ma amio

Muscular catfish has a very aggressive character. This is especially true for aquariums, because they always do not have enough space for this fish. In such conditions, this fish is a worthy competitor, both for its relatives and for other large species of fish leading a bottom lifestyle. They easily force them out of their territory, while taking away the main food resources.

As a result of observations, it was found that in the conditions of aquariums, if there is a lack of volume, aquarium fish representing “Flat-headed catfish” show maximum aggression. At the same time, any smaller aquarium fish become a victim of this predator.

Toe fanauina ma fanau

Before spawning, relations between both sexes normalize and are mostly peaceful. Despite this fact, with a lack of volume of the aquarium, some civil strife can still be observed. However, they do not harm each other. Most likely, the fights are purely symbolic.

Manaia mea moni! Ready for spawning and fertilization, couples organize ritual dances, after which they begin the process of reproduction.

It is believed that aquarium catfish do not show cases of cannibalism, although for insurance it is better to deposit them in a timely manner.

Fa'ama'i fa'atupu

There are a number of reasons that can lead such popular aquarium fish to a number of diseases. As a rule, all reasons are related to violations of the conditions of detention. For example:

• For a long time, there was no change of heavily polluted water in the aquarium.
• Aquarium water does not meet the basic hydraulic parameters.
• The aquarium is equipped rather poorly or very poorly, which makes the existence of fish uncomfortable.
• The nature of the lighting is not optimal: either the lighting is weak or too strong.
• The water temperature does not meet the required parameters: too high or too low.
• Small aquarium.
• The peculiarities of the behavior of all the fish that are kept in the aquarium are not taken into account.
• Nutritious food does not correspond to the nutritional habits of the aguaruna.
• Use of expired, spoiled food.

There are diseases that can be eliminated if all the shortcomings of keeping aquarium fish are eliminated. At the same time, there are ailments that require qualified medical treatment.

Fa'aaliga a lē e ona

Most of the species that represent the Flathead Catfish family belong to categories of fish that are impressive in size, as for keeping in aquarium conditions. If you follow all the tips and recommendations for keeping, then the aguaruna can live in an aquarium for at least ten years.

E taua le iloa! The Aguaruna bears a strong resemblance to the African Killer Whale, with their color pattern reminiscent of that of the spotted wildcats found in the jungle. In this regard, this type of aquarium fish is very popular and in demand, both among domestic and foreign aquarists.

It is believed that the aguaruna is quite problematic in matters of maintenance, and not only because it is large enough, as for aquariums, in size. In order for this fish to feel comfortable, a number of conditions must be strictly observed. In this regard, it is not recommended to have such a fish at home if there is no experience in keeping aquarium fish at all.

i le faaiuga

Many families dream of having an aquarium with fish in their home. This is not just an element that brings households closer to nature, but also a stylish element of decor, especially in our time, when European-style renovation has become available to many. How to decorate such an apartment? The question is quite interesting and everyone solves such a problem in their own way. Everyone wants to be like no one else. At the same time, everyone wants to brag about something special. And here the aquarium is what you need. If it is properly equipped and unique fish are placed in it, then it will definitely take its place of honor in a modernly equipped home. The larger the aquarium, the better and more attractive it will look, complementing the modern design.

Unfortunately, not everyone is ready to control all the necessary content parameters. As a rule, before the owner realizes that this is not such a simple matter, more than a dozen fish die in him. Many amateurs give up at this stage, as they begin to realize that they will not be able to give as much attention as necessary. The most stubborn ones continue to “torment” the fish and as a result become quite experienced aquarists. Of course, there are few such people, but what they do is worthy of respect and imitation. Everyone wants to live beautifully!