Catfishes are very useful addition in a community tank and a very good option for species tanks. Their peculiarity gives beauty to our hobby. Some species are better off not to be kept as pets if the available tanks are small, and the parameters and aquascape are not suitable for them. Most of them (for instance Heteropneustes fossilis) have neurotoxic venom on their dorsal and pectoral fins, so we have to be careful when handling them. If by accident we happen to be punctured by them, we have to submerge the punctured limb into very hot water (as hot as we can tolerate, for as long time we can tolerate the heat), because this venom is quite unstable in high temperatures. Next step is to remain calm and take one or two aspirins, and if we are allergic to animals' venom reach, as soon as possible, a doctor for further care of our wound. Corydoras spp "offer" the lighter venom, while Auchenoglanis occidentalis "offer" the strongest (from personal taste)
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