Whiptail catfish
Rineloricaria sp. · Loricariidae
Also known as Twig catfish relative, Red whiptail
Intermediate
A slender stick-shaped catfish that grazes soft algae and hides in plain sight.
In short: A whiptail catfish needs at least 90 L (24 US gal), water at 22–27 °C (72–81 °F) and pH 6–7.5. It is peaceful, kept in pairs or more, and rated intermediate to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 90 L (24 US gal)
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C (72–81 °F)
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Adult size
- 12 cm (4.7 in)
- Group size
- 2+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 90 L (24 US gal)
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C (72–81 °F)
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- Lifespan
- 5–10 years
- Diet
- Herbivore-leaning omnivore — algae, wafers, blanched veg, some frozen food.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- South American rivers
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Wood and root tangles over sand
- Natural conditions
- Clean, oxygenated water with wood and gentle flow.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 2 fish
- Swims
- Bottom
- Good tank mates
- TetrasCorydorasDwarf cichlids
- Avoid
- Aggressive fishDirty low-oxygen tanks
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Males develop cheek bristles.
- Notes
- Male guards eggs laid in a tube.
- Common ailments
- StarvationLow-oxygen stress
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