Catfish – Whiptail

Description

Care LevelModerateTemperamentPeacefulColor FormBlack, TanDietOmnivoreWater Conditions73-79 F, KH 4-8, pH 6.5-7.0Max. Size6″OriginSouth AmericaFamilyLoricariidaeMinimum Tank Size50 gallons

Overview

The Whiptail has a slender body with a camouflage colour pattern that covers the entire fish. Because this species comes from the tropic waters of South America, a neutral pH is recommended.

This catfish should be housed in at least a 30-gallon aquarium, with high filtration and plenty of aeration. A planted tank with rocks and driftwood will provide plenty of hiding spaces to prevent the fish from becoming stressed.

Whiptail catfish breed by laying their eggs on plants or rocks, and breeding in the aquarium setting is not usual.

A planted tank with high vegetation and some algae will sustain the Whiptail Catfish. However, if algae are not present, supplement with a vegetable based flake food, or algae wafer to provide the fish with a balanced diet.