All fish / Loricariidae

Hasemania whiptail catfish

Rineloricaria hasemani

Also known as haseman's whiptail, whiptail catfish, whiptail pleco, rineloricaria hasemani, l010a whiptail, リネロリカリア・ハセマニ, 哈氏鞭尾鲶

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This is a slim, flattened whiptail catfish with a long tail stalk and mottled brown and dark markings that blend in well against sand and leaf litter. Keepers like it because it is calm, unusual to look at and grazes the tank floor without bothering other fish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

11 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

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil (lower Amazon tributaries such as the Tocantins and Xingu basins)

Breeding

Males guard eggs laid inside caves or tubes, fanning them until they hatch, as with other whiptails. Breeding in aquariums is possible with soft, clean, well oxygenated water and suitable caves, but the fry need careful feeding at first.

Good to know

Several whiptail species look alike and are often sold under each other's names, so identification is uncertain. Avoid boisterous tankmates that outcompete it for food, and keep the water clean and well oxygenated.