SPECIES INFO
The Hypostomus genus of catfish is found primarily on the mainland of South America. There are about 120 species in this family listed in the atlas of catfish by Burgess-Axelrod. These are useful fish in an aquarium as they are capable of removing some algae from the glass. There is confusion in the aquarium trade as to the precise naming of the various species sold in pet stores. Many of these fish just go by the name of "Plecostomus. "
The suckermouth catfishes is a large family that is found from Panama south to Uruguay. Most of these are freshwater catfish. There are over 800 species in this family. Many are aquarium favorites.
Catfish, Order Siluriformes, are found throughout the world. Although most of them are freshwater kinds, a few are found in a marine environment. They are characterized by having whiskers and barbels around their mouths. Many search for their food by smell and make little use of their small eyes.
Bony fish, Class Teleostomi, are a class of chordates that include the majority of fish-like animals found on earth. They are characterized by a bony jaw and a bony skeleton. They are found in both fresh and marine waters.
Backboned Animals (Phylum Chordata) are the most advanced group of animals on earth. These animals are characterized by having a spinal cord or backbone. Most members have a clearly defined brain that controls the organism through a spinal cord. Fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are in this phylum.
Currently, some taxonomists believe that the fish should be divided into two groups (sharks and regular fishes) and that there are some other primitive groups in the phylum such as hagfish or lampreys.
Animal Kingdom contains numerous organisms that feed on other animals or plants. Included in the animal kingdom are the lower marine invertebrates such as sponges and corals, the jointed legged animals such as insects and spiders, and the backboned animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
