All fish / Loricariidae

Eigenmann's whiptail catfish

Rineloricaria eigenmanni

Also known as whiptail catfish, l-number whiptail, eigenmann's whiptail, rineloricaria sp., ロリカリア, 小精灵

This is a slim, flattened armoured catfish with a long body that narrows to a whip-like tail stalk, patterned in mottled brown and dark saddles that blend with sand and leaf litter. Keepers like it as a calm, unusual bottom dweller that fits well into peaceful community tanks with soft sand.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

6 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

Orinoco basin, Venezuela and Colombia

Breeding

Males guard eggs laid on flat surfaces or inside tubes and caves, fanning them until they hatch. Like most whiptails it can spawn in a well-kept aquarium, although rearing the fry needs fine foods and clean water.

Good to know

It is often sold under a generic whiptail label and is easily confused with other Rineloricaria species. Avoid sharp gravel and boisterous tankmates that outcompete it at feeding time.