The cleaning fish, also known as the glass catfish, is a tropical fish with smooth skin. They have an average length of about 25 to 30 cm, with some species reaching up to 70 cm in length. As adults, cleaning fish usually weigh between 1-2 kg on average. There are also large individuals with body weights up to 4 kg.
Cleaning fish are omnivorous. They not only eat algae and plants attached to the surface, but also compete strongly for food with other fish species. Cleaning fish are suitable for keeping in aquariums alongside betta fish, goldfish, etc.
Can cleaning fish be eaten?
Nowadays, glass catfish are not only black, but also bred in various beautiful colors. This species reproduces quickly, so you can easily breed them to create unique colors for your own aquarium.
In their native habitat in Vietnam, glass catfish are considered harmful because of their aggressive behavior, rapid reproduction, and invasion of other fish species’ territories. They compete for food and suck the mucus of other fish, making them an invasive species. Glass catfish cause ecological imbalance while their economic value is not high. They even damage fishermen’s nets.
Can cleaning fish be eaten?
In some regions, cleaning fish are considered a delicacy and can be prepared in various delicious dishes such as grilled, stewed with lemongrass, braised with pepper, simmered in coconut water, or dried… However, there are many opinions that eating cleaning fish is not recommended because the meat is not tasty and may cause itching and allergies.
So in conclusion, can cleaning fish be eaten? According to experts, this species of fish is edible, but people with sensitive digestive systems or poor digestion should avoid consuming this food. The fish eggs and internal organs of cleaning fish should also not be eaten as they may have negative effects on health.
Benefits of cleaning fish
Although not a popular or particularly delicious food, cleaning fish still have some benefits:
Cleans the aquarium
For those who have limited time to take care of their aquariums, keeping a few cleaning fish is the perfect solution. The biggest advantage of cleaning fish is that they clean the water environment in the aquarium, making it healthier. Aquarium enthusiasts can have a clean aquarium without spending too much time, as cleaning fish can eat all the algae, even harmful ones, and the excess food of other fish.
Aquarium decoration
One of the benefits of cleaning fish is their decorative effect on the aquarium. They can be considered as an ornamental fish themselves.
There are various types of cleaning fish such as white-body cleaning fish, spotted cleaning fish, orange-tailed cleaning fish, bright yellow cleaning fish, a combination of golden and pink cleaning fish, red-tailed cleaning fish, black cleaning fish, etc. You can choose some of them to create uniqueness for your own aquarium.
Source: VTC.vn
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