Whiptail Catfish

Rineloricaria sp., the Whiptail Catfish, is a highly distinctive loricariid with a dramatically flattened body and extraordinarily elongated, whip-like tail that immediately sets it apart from other armoured catfish. It rests motionlessly on driftwood, stones, and substrate during the day, becoming more active during twilight feeding periods. An unobtrusive and elegant bottom-dweller that grazes on algae and biofilm, adding visual interest and functional clean-up to larger planted and biotope aquariums.

Provide a 100 L or larger well-planted tank with driftwood, smooth stones, and a sand or fine gravel substrate. Feed algae wafers, blanched cucumber and zucchini, and sinking carnivore pellets. Maintain temperature 22–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5. Performs best in gentle to moderate flow with high water quality. Do not house with overly active or boisterous tank mates. Males may guard eggs deposited on flat surfaces.