Females are generally smaller and duller in color. This spine is known as “adipose fin,” a common feature among many species of catfish. 5. Siamese Algae Eater – Care, Feeding,. Buy direct from the breeder — live shipping with 100% safe and healthy arrival guarantee. Here are my picks for the most popular fish species that will not only make good angelfish tank mates but are also good community fish. Here are some recommended tank mates for South American cichlids:A Synodontis catfish could be included with fine sand including aragonite. Bettas have certain pH, temperatures and other water conditions they require. jerdoni include Synodontis catfish, barbs, larger tetras, larger danio species, swordtails, rainbowfish, and others that are too large to eat it. It reaches a maximum length of 55 centimeters (22 inches), most commonly reaching 25 centimeters (9. The Cuckoo Catfish, also known by its scientific name Synodontis multipunctatus, is a catfish native to the Lake Tanganyika in Africa. They are nocturnal by nature, which means they are most active during the night, creating a well-balanced tank activity schedule for both species. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full Details! April 10, 2020. The only good tank-mates for African Cichlids in my opinion, is more African Cichlids. Tank Mates. Shop Synodontis ocellifer and hundreds of other common and exotic freshwater aquarium fish direct from one of the leading aquarium fish breeders in North America since 1970. As juveniles Lace catfish are peaceful but some mature adults may become territorial. 5 and 7. Size: 3-3. This article will discuss what the best Electric Blue Jack Dempsey tank mates are when trying to find companions for your Electric Blue Jack. The Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus Pictus) also known as. Cuckoo Catfish – Care | Size | Tank Mates | Lifespan | Breeding. 2. The dwarf snakehead is a territorial fish,. 1 Good Tank Mates for Silver Dollar; 12. The fins are darkish gray or black. Females will have a round papilla; the males will be longer and more triangular in shape. This catfish is relatively peaceful with similarly sized tank mates, reaching an adult size of approximately 4″. Avoid anything that they. Add a Comment. Tank Size; Water Parameters (Temperature and pH) Tank Setup and Decorations; Filtration and Aeration; Suitable Tank Mates;. While not particularly aggressive with others, the Synodontis catfish can mistake smaller fish for food. For a 125 gallon, currently stocked with 11 African glass catfish, 3 ropefish, 1 black ghost knife juvenile. Can hold its own with most Rift Lake catfish and cichlids seen in the hobby. A pair of Starry Night Cichlids need a minimum tank size of 120 gallons. They can grow up to 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) in length. #4. Siamese Algae Eater – Care, Feeding, Tank Mates & Full Details! February 9, 2019. Read on to learn which species are suitable tank mates for cichlids and corydoras. It has an oblongated body, and a bit flattened from sides and a rather wide head with two pairs of barbs on its upper jaw and one on the under-jaw. Tank Mates. petricola and S. If tank mates are involved, make sure the aquarium is large enough to meet the behavioral needs of your Delhezi Bichir and your other fish!My research tells me that synodontis catfish grow quite large, can be aggressive, are better kept one per tank and are more suited to a cichlid set up. Species profile. In addition to choosing appropriate tank mates, it is important to feed Oscars a balanced diet and. The Jaguar catfish can be housed with a wide range of non-aggressive medium-to-large fish species. With the right care, suitable tank mates, and a healthy diet, these beautiful fish can thrive in your aquarium, providing you with years of aquatic enjoyment. They’re a shoaling species and like to stay in groups when possible. Here is a thread on our synos and there are more links inside, including to the Planet Catfish threads, we've kept synos in 120, 240, 1800, and 4500 gal tanks. Their meal preferences change considerably throughout the day. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full Details! April 10, 2020. . Unlike many other catfish, the Featherfin Squeaker is not a nocturnal fish and is most active during the day. 30cm. They will generally reach up to 7. The water flow in the tank should resemble that of a river. Avoid similar-looking species as well as larger, more aggressive tank mates. Water Parameters. These bottom-dwellers are easy-going but have the means to protect themselves. regardless of what you want to cram in with it. Standard 125-gallon tanks usually measure about 72 inches across. Synodontis Catfish. In this blog post, we’ll explore 21 great Blue Acara tank mates, along with tips for creating a thriving aquatic environment that both you and your fish will love. Synodontis multipunctatus tank mates. They do well in groups of 5 or more and they will do well fish species that have similar water requirements and temperament. If you’re the intermediate and experienced cichlid keeper looking for an addition to your current Mbuna tank, then socolofi cichlids might be the fish for you. Keep us on PlanetCatfish updated from time to time regarding your Syno. Synodontis catfish tank size. by sidguppy » Mon Mar 23, 2009 10:02 am. The best alternative would be to buy a small shoal of corydoras catfish. Breeding Pair: Select a healthy, well-conditioned pair. Good tankmates can be larger fish such as goldfish as well as non-aggressive medium to large gouramis, robust cyprinid species, larger characins, eartheater type Geophagus cichlids, Loricariid catfish from South America, large Synodontis catfish, and large loaches. The dorsal fin is well developed, which extends from the gill line to the tail itself and is pointed at the end. com. Peacock Cichlids should not be kept in a tank with overly aggressive fish or those that do not share the same habitat needs. Ideal tank mates include other cichlids from Lake Malawi, such as peacock cichlids, electric blue haps, and yellow lab cichlids. Siamese Algae Eater. a 10" fish should be kept in a 75-100G tank and then there's adequate room for others as well. Min. Mostly a nocturnal fish, it will come out in the daylight hours when food is added to the tank. Synodontis catfish tank mates. 5 to 8. 5 to 8. Aquarium Requirements Synodontis come from a range of water conditions in nature, with some originating from the hard water African lakes whilst others may live in softer,. Tank Mates. The Synodontis Schoutedeni Catfish is a relatively peaceful fish but can demonstrate territorial behavior towards other Synodontis catfish. You DO need to exercise some caution. Most syno cats get between 4-7 inches and can live for over 10 years. pH: 6. Due to their peaceful nature, Amano Shrimp get along with most tank mates that aren’t aggressive or large enough to view them as food. Use our fish community creator tool to plan your tank set up and ensure. Its back is a bit updrawn, and the abdomen is flat. Synodontis eupterus. Regular Water Changes. You can keep Synodontis catfish with other peaceful fish, such as other catfish, but you will need to provide them with enough space. Ideal tank mates include similarly sized tetras, guppies, and other rainbowfish species. Synodontis multipunctatus Boulenger, 1898:. Synodontis Catfish: Your Guide To Care And Maintenance - Badman's Tropical Fish The Synodontis Catfish or Synodontis multipunctatus is a medium- to large-sized African. They share similar water conditions and will coexist peacefully with Frontosa Cichlids. Tank Mates. It is often confused with an upside-down catfish, but these are two completely different species, Synodontis dwells even in Africa. 17. How big do bumblebee catfish get? At a typical adult size of 6 inches (15 cm) , it is a perfect bottom dweller for the medium to large aquarium and it is an excellent tankmate for most other fish that are too large to be considered prey. Most aquarists agree that starting with a 125-gallon tank or larger is the best course of action unless you have a multi-aquarium setup. Synodontis multipunctatus is a species of catfish in the genus Synodontis. The tank mates of the angelfish should feel great in soft water. Only males exhibit vibrant. Corydoras catfish mature at less than 4 inches long, making them potential tank mates for smaller species of fancy goldfish. Therefore, suitable tank mates include species that are not small enough to be considered prey but also not large or aggressive enough to threaten the leaf fish. Bolivian Ram Tank Mates: Friends and Foes. Siamese Algae Eater. Jul 2, 2019. Synodontis catfish are remarkable bottom-dwellers that bring character to any African cichlid tank. A popular variant of the Peacock Cichlids, these fish flaunt a combination of blues, yellows, and reds. Examples of Incompatible Tank Mates. Jul 2, 2019. All Aquatic Arts brand plants and animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee, plus free email support! The Cuckoo Catfish is a very popular Synodontis species that is beautifully marked, stays a manageable size, and is perfect for a variety of medium to large-size fish tanks, including Lake Tanganyika biotopes! On sale today for $ 21. When it comes to tank mates, choose peaceful species that won’t compete with the Corydoras for food. It also doesn’t leave any room for potential tank mates. The tank’s temperature should vary between 75°F and 85°F with a pH of 6. Scientific name: Synodontis nigrita. A 30-gallon tank gives them enough room to roam and swim around comfortably. Perhaps one of the more surprising tankmates for African cichlids and other large fish, Synodontis Petricola are cute, shy, and good-natured. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full Details! April 10, 2020. Synodontis Catfish. Delhezi Bichir Tank Size. 5 to 4 inches from head to tail. 68°F to 79°F. A hundred of others the ecat didn't pay attention to. Tank set upLifespan. Synodontis multipunctatus also called cuckoo squeaker catfish is a popular addition to cichlid tanks because not only. Their color schemes can include blue, yellow, gold, and orange, with iridescent hues on their skin. When it comes to selecting tank mates for your Elephant Nose Fish, it’s best to stick with other peaceful species. Aside from the tank size, it is also important to maintain suitable water parameters for Synodontis ocellifer catfish. It is better to keep a group of upside-down catfish together, with the average group size being between 4 and 6. African brown knifefish like to lay their eggs in dense vegetation, so the more plants you have, the better. As long as this beautiful, berry-eyed fish is kept with a cichlid like the African cichlid which is too small to do it harm, it makes a great tank mate. Delhezi Bichir Tank Size. You can keep a male and three females in a 30-gallon tank. Other good choices for cichlid tank mates are very speedy, aggressive, large fish. Obviously, specialized. Lungfish and the Aba Aba don't make particularly good tank-fellows for bichirs either. When choosing tank mates for Kribensis Cichlids, select species that are peaceful and can hold their own. African cichlids are found in rivers meaning they will appreciate a stronger current. Contents show 1 Care Guide 1. Temperature: 70-82°F (21-28°C) pH: 6. They blend in well with their tank mates and even provide a natural form of clean-up, feeding on uneaten food and debris. Red-Tailed Black SharksThe very best tank mates for Synodontis Petricola are Gourami Fish, Giant-sized Barbs, Loaches, Tetras, Rainbowfish, Bigger Danios, Pleco fish, and different catfish. The total liquid waste remains in the water permanently. Synodontis eupterus is an upside-down species. Good options include tetras, gouramis, and other non-aggressive cichlids. 5 to 7. You can also house them with small, peaceful livebearers like mollies, guppies, and platys. Sailfin Pleco. How Should I Set Up My Tank? Synodontis are nocturnal, so you won't see them out too much during the day, and you should provide them cover to sleep under. Giant Danio (Devario. Being peaceful in nature, Threadfin Rainbowfish do well with other non-aggressive species. Choosing the right tank mates is crucial due to the Paradise Fish’s territorial nature. These fish spend upwards of 90% of their time in the inverted position and have a reverse colour scheme to most fish – with their belly being darker than the dorsal area. The iridescent shark is an omnivore, which means that it eats both meat and vegetable foods. Siamese Algae Eater – Care, Feeding, Tank Mates &. Care Level: Easy. Nat Commun 13, 1723 (2022)) shows that individual pairs of these catfish learn. Catfish: Catfish, like the Synodontis species, are robust and can handle the bumblebee cichlid’s behavior. Make sure to keep only one male to every two females in your school of. Installing a water pump in your fish tanks can achieve such a requirement. Peacock Cichlids typically measure between 4 and 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length. 5. Synodontis are the dominant African catfish in the aquarium trade, because of their attractive colour patterns and generally peaceful nature, making them suitable tank mates for a community tank consisting of medium to large-sized fish. The Synodontis Catfish or Synodontis multipunctatus is a medium- to large-sized African catfish that is attractive, long-lived, and a great tank cleaner. Other catfish species that can make good tank mates for Jack Dempsey fish are: Pictus Catfish, Striped Raphael Catfish, Featherfin Synodontis Catfish, and; Iridescent Shark Catfish. When choosing tank mates for a synodontis catfish, it is important to consider their size, temperament, and compatibility with the catfish's specific needs. Description. You can start smaller with juveniles and work your way up; a minimum of 20 gallons (30″ x 12″ x 12″) will be fine. #3. Learn more about Synodontis ocellifer, see beautiful images, care and tank info. 0-8. Do not forget to make the water conditions suitable for them to thrive side by side. These catfish prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6. To prevent the buildup of phosphates, nitrates, and water hardness, replace at least 25% to 30% of the water weekly. Your synodontis catfish, depending on the species, may be a great tankmate. 5-7. Neons are small, schooling fish that come from the same region as angels. Any tank mates should be quick enough to get out of the way of the sharp spines on their pectoral fins. The Synodontis Ocellifer Catfish is a very peaceful tank. Synodontis Catfish; Breeding. Dim (can be brighter if diffused by plants). Cons of keeping with Auratus Cichlid: Availability & Pricing of Electric Blue Acara. Most American cichlids are compatible with Malawis’ as well but only with a compromised water ph of about 7. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full Details! April 10, 2020. Since most dwarf shrimp don’t exceed 1-inch in size and they have specific tank parameter needs, especially Caridinas, they are not a great pick for many tanks. Size: 3-3. 8. Any aggressive fish are tank mates to avoid as well. Tank Mates. The Synodontis Catfish is a fascinating and unique addition to your Jewel Cichlid tank. Bottom-dwelling species make excellent betta fish tank mates since they won’t hassle your betta or compete with him for food or swimming space. They are great for medium to large-size aquarium setups. Arman Alamaar • June 18, 2023Northampton. I would recommend focusing on fewer different types of fish in the tank and getting more appropriate schools of them rather than small numbers of so many different. The Electric Blue Acara is commonly found in pet shops and online stores catering to aquarium enthusiasts. These bottom feeders include various plecos, catfish, and loaches. Avoid keeping them with aggressive species, which can cause undue stress and potential harm. An excellent choice would be the Synodontis catfish species, as they won’t compete. ) Size. Can pose a threat to small fish. . However, as long as your water hardness is stable and doesn’t shift, your fish should easily adjust to your local water conditions. 5 inches. Ideal tank mates include Tetras, Danios, and other Barb species. You will also need to add some plants and hiding places to the tank. African cichlids are found in rivers meaning they will appreciate a stronger current. Before adding a catfish to the aquarium, be sure to take a few precautions to reduce aggression. In a well-equipped aquarium, you will find it extremely easy to take care of your Upside-Down Catfish. It’s important to choose tank mates carefully and to avoid any sudden changes in the tank. The water should be clean and well-filtered, with a pH between 6. Ideal tank mates include similarly sized tetras, guppies, and other rainbowfish species. Upside Down Catfish (Synodontis nigriventris)Home » Blog » 15 Best Cichlid Tank MatesThere are so many delightful cichlids to choose from for the beauty and enjoyment of your fish tank! However, if you’re looking for even more beauty, you may be wondering what are the 15 best cichlid tank companions? As an aggressive and territorial breed of f. 2°C). Getting them to eat has been tricky as they’re all still new to the tank and small, so I have lots of half-picked bloodworms/brine shrimp on the tank floor (waiting on a brine shrimp hatchery that will hopefully help). African cichlids can be kept with Synodontis and Raphael catfish. Iridescent Shark Lifespan. 0-7. They are quite large and sturdy fish that require specific water parameters and large tanks. Find out which fish species are most suitable. The Black Ruby Barb is an active, territorial fish that serves as one of the best Tiger barbs tank mates and most other tropical fish. 5-8. The perfect tank size for Upside Down Catfish is approximately 30 gallons. Their temperament is relatively peaceful for cichlids, but males can become territorial, especially during spawning. Many fish are shoaling fish, best kept in schools of 10 or more. Neutral pH (between 6. Siamese Algae Eater. Zebra cichlids. However, neons are tiny, and angelfish will see them as food. Once you zero in on a list, we might help you further. To search for high quality aquarium heaters, click here. Fahaka Puffer Tank Mates: Friends and Foes. Difficulty. Synodontis Catfish Tank Mates. The visuals above are not mine, all the credits go to their respective owners. Synodontis catfish are bottom dwellers who would rather burry beneath rocks and tank decor than get into fights with cichlids; this is what makes them a good tank mate. Zero lb). Synodontis are nocturnal, so you won't see them out too much during the day, and you should provide them cover to sleep under. The best tank mates for strawberry peacock cichlids are non-aggressive fish that live in the same environment as the cichlids. Here is a thread on our synos and there are more links inside, including to the Planet Catfish threads, we've kept synos in 120, 240, 1800, and 4500 gal tanks. Rate My Fish Tank: Freshwater Compatibility Chart ;Synodontis catfish; Texas cichlid; Tinfoil barbs. This African Catfish is commonly used as a cleaner in African Cichlid tanks. That small tank size could pose an issue as your fish gets older. They will eat biofilm from driftwood, leftover food, decaying plant matter, and even deceased tank mates. #3. These fish spend upwards of 90% of their time in the inverted position and have a reverse colour scheme to most fish – with their belly being darker than the dorsal area. Diet: Omnivore. It is a basic reversal of the colour scheme many other species use for the same purpose. They prefer neutral to basic water parameters with a pH from 6. multipunctatus aka "cuckoo catfish". The Featherfin Squeaker (Synodontis Eupterus) or Featherfin Synodontis are a species of Synodontis catfish. Other planting is beneficial but not essential. A 30-gallon tank gives them. Tank setup: Provide a spacious tank with hiding spots, flat rocks or slate, and suitable water parameters (pH 6. Synodontis catfish; Nyassachromis; Sciaenochromis; Shrimp and crabs aren’t good tank mates for strawberry peacock cichlids, because the fish will eat these tank mates. In the wild pictus catfish inhabits in lentic waters and as a rule lives where the water flow is slow, the bottom is sandy or muddy. Though there are over 120 different species of Synodontis catfish, the majority of them make great tank mates for cichlids. This includes most 'pleco'-type catfish and even the occasional Synodontis catfish (though I've usually had good luck keeping many species of this genus with bichirs). The bleeding heart tetra is aptly named after the bright red splotch that adorns the center of its body. Avoid small fish that could be intimidated or injured by the Pleco’s size. 1. 5) Discus, Rummy Nose Tetra, and Cardinal Tetra. These fish are actually quite long-lived compared to other freshwater fish. Jewel Cichlid: Habitat And Tank Requirements. Preferring to dwell near the bottom of slow-moving waters, Hoplo. Recommended Freshwater Aquarium Fish Combinations: 1) Apistogramma Dwarf Cichlid and Green Neon Tetra. Careful consideration should be given to tank mates due to the aggressive nature of Jewel Cichlids. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full Details! April 10, 2020. 45 inch) 0 14. Water changes are a crucial part of tank maintenance. How Big Do Synodontis Lace Catfish Get? May 9, 2023. You have a lot of unique options when it comes to Synodontis catfish tank mates! As always, try to keep the sizing similar across the board. Charney 's got a 2-footer so his input would be quite fitting here. The Bristlenose Pleco is known for its peaceable nature, making it an excellent candidate for a community tank. Lets take a look at some of the most suitable tank mates for Synodontis catfish. Synodontis catfish top out at 8 inches, making them potential aquarium mates for larger common and comet goldfish. When you occur to be an aquarist fortunate sufficient to have Synos breed within the tank, look ahead to a few of their attention-grabbing breeding behaviors. If you want to keep a few of these fish together in the same tank then you’ll need to provide them with more space. So are rainbowfish and leopard bushfish. 4. This site has been so helpful for my 55 gallon Mbuna tank that I wanted to ask some basic question about Synodontis multipunctatus catfish. Corydoras Catfish: Known for their peace-loving nature, Corydoras Catfish make excellent tank mates for Sailfin Plecos. It was described by Fitzinger in 1826, originally under the genus Mochichthys. Naples, FL, USA. It is an omnivore and will eat most aquarium foods, including flakes, pellets, frozen, and live foods. The tips of its ventral, pectoral, dorsal, and anal fins are white, and the bases are darker. Siamese Algae Eater – Care, Feeding, Tank Mates. Compatible With: Paradise Fish. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full Details! April 10, 2020. 5-7. These catfish may bother more timid species at night with its long barbels when in search for food. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full Details! April 10, 2020. As with most fish, there are a number of factors that can impact their lifespan. Ensure the tank size is appropriate for. Some examples include: Avoid overcrowding: Synodontis catfish prefer to stay in groups of at least 4-5 fish, but too many tank mates or a small living space can cause stress and aggression. Synodontis Catfish The Featherfin Squeaker is fairly large and a long-lived catfish. The recommended tank size for one adult Delhezi Bichir is 100 gal. If it lives to 30+ years, that would be valuable info for us. Flagtail catfish can reach a length of about 20 inches, but are typically between 12 and 16 inches long. Good tank mates for H. 5 inches. Suitable tank mates include other large, peaceful fish. 6 liters) is recommended for a single Synodontis catfish, and you should add an additional 10 gallons (38 liters) of tank space for each additional Synodontis you plan to keep. 15. Compatibility: 4 out of 5. While it is not necessary to keep this species in a river biotope, it is important to provide. Clown loaches can tolerate temperatures of 74 degrees Fahrenheit, but this is on the low end of what will be acceptable. The others also being Tanganyikan Synodontis species! The catfish times its spawning to coincide with that of a. Do synodontis catfish lay eggs? Synodontis petricola eggs hatch out in about 48 to 78 hours , from my first spawn we had over 200. Featherfins can be kept as individuals or in small groups. Then, add some plants and hiding places. The Brichardi Cichlid can be kept alongside other Tanganyikan shell-dwelling species that are bottom-dwellers if you have a large tank because it spends most of its time in the intermediate and higher layers of the water column. Their body is dark brown with a few isolated small spots, adults have a dorsal fin in which each ray extends into long filaments that looks like a feather, giving it the common. If you plan on keeping a small group of Cuckoo Catfish or. The ones I have pretty much stay hidden all the time unless there is food around. When choosing tank mates, consider the following factors: Size: Avoid small fish that could be mistaken for food. Cuckoo catfish was first described by Belgian ichthyologist Hubert Matthes in the. From that standpoint, they’re among the best-suited tank mates for angelfish. The tank is 4'x18"x12" the rest of the fish are community fish swordtails,guppies,cardinals,cloown loaches and bronze catfish,There are no signs of any injuries. Learn more about Dwarf Petricola (Synodontis lucipinnis), see. Hadwin Blanton Category Catfish Have you ever been fascinated by the diversity and beauty of freshwater fish? If so, you might be familiar with synodontis. These young fish are often sold as Synodontis “Network” due to their attractive reticulated patterning. What size tank do synodontis catfish need? The Synodontis Multipunctatus Catfish will appreciate a fine sandy bottom with large caves and crevices. It also doesn’t leave any room for potential tank mates. When. Synodontis Petricola is typically kept as solitary catfish or in small groups of 3-5 individuals, depending on the tank size and compatibility with. Read this guide to learn more about this species. The characteristic ‘feathered’ dorsal also develops with age, with the first few rays developing long extensions. Cons of keeping with Auratus. Several species of synodontis catfish come from the African Rift lakes and also like the hard, alkaline water your cichlids need to thrive. Temperature: 71-81°F (22-27°C) pH: 6. Synodontis Catfish. Avoid anything that they can scoop up and swallow. they are best kept with larger fish such as cichlids to avoid the unnecessary death of smaller tank mates. Synodontis Catfish can eat any sort of meal. It is one of the most popular catfish within the aquarium trade and. However, they prefer water that is slightly alkaline with a pH of 7. Juveniles may start their lives in 20 – 50 gallon tank before being moved to their more giant, permanent aquarium. This is to help them camouflage from. Asian stone catfish tank mates. Although the African Cichlid is noted for its aggression, the larger catfish species are compatible tank mates and generally do a great job of helping maintain water quality. Avoid Aggressive Tank Mates And Ornamental Invertebrates. Common name: Lace catfish. Instead house with medium to. The minimum tank size for 1 upside down catfish is 20 gallons, with an additional 10 gallons per fish. The aquarium will be big enough to give every fish swimming room without feeling cramped. 0 to 7. 8. #3. If you look through the photos, it may give you an idea of their compatibility and potential tank mates. Panther Groupers can be kept with other large, non-aggressive fish that won’t become potential prey. If you’re looking for the 15 best peacock cichlid tank mates. Julidochromis dickfeldi prefer relatively shallow water. If you have just one, or if spaces are scarce, the fish will fight each other for them. When it comes to choosing tank mates, opt for peaceful species that aren’t small enough to be perceived as food.