Whiptail catfish (Farlowella acus)

Scientific name: Farlowella acus Kner, 1853

Whiptail catfish (Farlowella acus)

The Whiptail catfish (Farlowella acus) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows to about 16 cm (6.3 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful and needs water at 24–26°C (75–79°F) and a pH of 6.0–7.0. Native range: South America, Lake Valencia and Torito River, Venezuela.

Whiptail catfish care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Adult size
16 cm (6.3 in)
Temperature
24–26°C (75–79°F)
pH
6.0–7.0
Hardness
3–8 dGH (54–143 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore

Biology

Aquarium keeping: feeds on plants and roots; in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 80 cm.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Farlowella acus
Family
Loricariidae (Armored catfishes)
Order
Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
16.0
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 7.0; dH range: 3 - 8 demersal
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Lake Valencia and Torito River basins.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Fec = 40)

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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