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Whiptail catfish (Rineloricaria sp.)
Photo: Ckf6412 · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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.

Minimum tank
90 L
Temperature
22–27 °C
pH
6–7.5
Adult size
12 cm
Group size
2+
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Care requirements
Minimum tank volume
90 L
Temperature
22–27 °C
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
Tetras
Corydoras
Dwarf cichlids
Avoid
Aggressive fish
Dirty low-oxygen tanks
Breeding & difficulty
Breeding difficulty
Intermediate
Sexing
Males develop cheek bristles.
Notes
Male guards eggs laid in a tube.
Common ailments
Starvation
Low-oxygen stress

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