All fish / Loricariidae

Whiptail catfish

Rineloricaria aequalicuspis

Also known as whiptail catfish, whiptail pleco, rineloricaria, twig catfish, l-number whiptail, リネロリカリア, 小精灵鞭尾鲶

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A slender, flattened armoured catfish with a mottled brown body and a long whip-like extension on the upper tail lobe. It is kept for its unusual shape and calm habits, spending much of its time resting on sand or wood.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

18 to 24 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Single or a small group with plenty of floor space

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets and wafers, blanched vegetables, bloodworm and other frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Southern Brazil (upper Uruguay and Jacuí river basins)

Breeding

Males guard eggs laid in tubes or caves and fan them until they hatch. Spawning is quite achievable in well-oxygenated, cooler water with good feeding, though fry need fine foods and clean conditions.

Good to know

Comes from subtropical streams so it prefers cooler, well-oxygenated water than many tropical fish. Easily confused with other Rineloricaria species in the trade.