All fish / Loricariidae

Castro's whiptail catfish

Rineloricaria castroi

Also known as whiptail catfish, castro's whiptail, whiptail pleco, rineloricaria castroi, リネロリカリア, 鞭尾鲶

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A slender, flattened armoured catfish with a long whip-like tail stalk and a mottled brown and sandy pattern that blends well with sand and leaf litter. It is kept as a calm, unusual bottom dweller for community tanks with gentle tankmates.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

14 cm

Temperature

23 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

100 litres

Keep as

Single or a small group, 1 male with 2 or more females

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets and wafers, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp, blanched vegetables

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil, Amazon basin (mainly the Tocantins and Araguaia drainages)

Breeding

A cave or tube spawner in which the male guards and fans the eggs until they hatch. Breeding is achievable in home aquariums with clean, well-oxygenated water, suitable tubes and a good diet.

Good to know

Needs a soft sandy substrate and good oxygenation, and is easily outcompeted for food by boisterous or fast-feeding fish. Published care details for this species are limited, so figures here follow general Rineloricaria care.