All fish / Loricariidae

Rineloricaria baliola

Rineloricaria baliola

Also known as whiptail catfish, whiptail pleco, baliola whiptail

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A slender, flattened whiptail catfish with a long tail stalk and a mottled brown and tan body that blends in well over sand and gravel. It comes from cooler, flowing streams in southern Brazil and suits keepers who like calm, unusual bottom dwellers.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

11 cm

Temperature

18 to 25 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Pair or small group

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Southern Brazil (Uruguay river basin, Rio Grande do Sul)

Breeding

Males guard eggs laid inside tubes or caves and develop bristles on the head when ready to breed. Captive spawning of related whiptails is fairly routine, though records for this species are scarce.

Good to know

Prefers subtropical temperatures, well oxygenated water and a soft sandy bottom; it is easily confused with other Rineloricaria species in the trade.