All fish / Loricariidae

Kronei Whiptail Catfish

Rineloricaria kronei

Also known as kronei whiptail, whiptail catfish, whiptail pleco, rineloricaria kronei

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This is a slim, flattened armoured catfish with a long tail stalk ending in a whip-like upper ray, patterned in brown with darker saddles. It suits keepers who like quiet bottom dwellers and it blends well on sand and among leaf litter. It comes from cooler, clear Atlantic coastal streams in southern Brazil.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

11 cm

Temperature

18 to 24 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Single or a small group; more than one gives better behaviour

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Coastal river basins of southeastern Brazil (São Paulo and Paraná states)

Breeding

Males guard eggs laid in tubes or caves and develop bristles on the head and pectoral fins when mature. Like related whiptails it can spawn in captivity, but this species is rarely available so breeding records are limited.

Good to know

Prefers cooler, well-oxygenated water with steady flow, so avoid keeping it at tropical temperatures long term. Easily confused with other brown Rineloricaria species in the trade.