James RickardThe electric catfish
January 25th 2011 02:31
There may be over 2000 varieties of catfish in the world, but a lot of people have never heard of the electric catfish.
Although this may sound like joke, the electric catfish actually does exist and can be found in slower-moving portions of the Nile and other river systems in Central and West Africa.
A pectoral muscle that surrounds most of its body generates the electrical discharges. When the electric catfish captures its prey, usually other fishes, it releases short bursts of electricity much like an electric eel. Electrical impulses are also used for defense.
At first glance, this looks like any other catfish and possesses most of the common features. One of the electric catfish's feature is the fact they have three pairs of barbels (whiskers).
Unlike some varieties of catfish, species vary from only a few inches to around 39 inches or 100 centimeters. Species around 12 inches are often found in private aquariums. However, it must be realized that this a fish that cannot be kept with other fish because those who survive the 350 volt charge are often eaten alive!
Although this may sound like joke, the electric catfish actually does exist and can be found in slower-moving portions of the Nile and other river systems in Central and West Africa.
A pectoral muscle that surrounds most of its body generates the electrical discharges. When the electric catfish captures its prey, usually other fishes, it releases short bursts of electricity much like an electric eel. Electrical impulses are also used for defense.
At first glance, this looks like any other catfish and possesses most of the common features. One of the electric catfish's feature is the fact they have three pairs of barbels (whiskers).
Unlike some varieties of catfish, species vary from only a few inches to around 39 inches or 100 centimeters. Species around 12 inches are often found in private aquariums. However, it must be realized that this a fish that cannot be kept with other fish because those who survive the 350 volt charge are often eaten alive!
The electric catfish is a fairly common fish yet, little is known about it. It is known they are nocturnal but this can be changed in captivity. During breeding season eggs are laid in a hole below a sunken log or rock. Unfortunately, not much else is known of its reproductive behavior.
While the mouth of an electric catfish look small, it can actually open up wide enough to eat fish up to almost half their body size. Like most catfish, they have small eyes and poor vision, relying other senses when hunting.
The usual catfish baits for for these predators. Just remember they can vary from a foot to a meter so choose your tackle with this in mind.
While the mouth of an electric catfish look small, it can actually open up wide enough to eat fish up to almost half their body size. Like most catfish, they have small eyes and poor vision, relying other senses when hunting.
The usual catfish baits for for these predators. Just remember they can vary from a foot to a meter so choose your tackle with this in mind.
Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!
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