Loricara Whiptail Catfish

Scientific Name: Rineloricaria lanceolata
Recommended Aquarium: 55+ Gallons
Approx. Adult Size: 5 to 6 inches
Temperament: Peaceful
Ease of Care: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Native Waters: Paraguay

While a pair will get along in the aquarium, two males may bicker. The Whiptail will require some quiet hiding places and is one of the easier to spawn catfish, preferring a cave with a 2 to 2 ¾” diameter in which to lay its eggs. A scavenger by nature, the Whiptail will eat most prepared foods and may require some sinking pellet types of food. Its tankmates should be non-nipping Community Fish and the water parameters should be softer water with a pH between 6.4 and 7.2. Its close cousin, the Longnose Whiptail Catfish, Sturisoma barbatum is sometimes sold under the same generic name, but obtains a mature size closer to 9 inches in length.

Approximate arrival size for Loricara Whiptail Catfish: 1 to 3 inches