Twig Catfish (Farlowella acus)

Farlowella acus is a remarkable twig-mimicking loricariid catfish from the Orinoco and Amazon drainages of Venezuela and Colombia, with a pencil-thin elongated body and an exceptionally long, pointed rostral snout that renders it almost indistinguishable from a submerged twig. A dedicated algae grazer that also accepts biofilm, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables, it is a delicate and specialized species requiring pristine, well-oxygenated water and a calm aquarium without boisterous companions.

Provide pristine, well-oxygenated water with no ammonia or nitrite. Soft, slightly acidic to neutral water preferred. Smooth driftwood and clean rockwork covered in natural algae and biofilm are essential. Supplement with algae wafers and blanched zucchini or cucumber when natural algae is insufficient. Avoid any boisterous or aggressive tank mates that may stress or outcompete for feeding spots. Sensitive to medications.