All fish / Loricariidae

Zaina Whiptail Catfish

Rineloricaria zaina

Also known as zaina whiptail, whiptail catfish, rineloricaria zaina

A slender, flattened armoured catfish with a long whip-like tail and a mottled brown body that blends in with sand and wood. It was described quite recently from southern Brazil and is kept by catfish fans for its calm nature and unusual shape.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

11 cm

Temperature

20 to 26 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Single or a small group with plenty of floor space

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Paraná River basin, Brazil

Breeding

Like other whiptails it is a cave or tube spawner, with the male guarding the eggs until they hatch. Related species breed fairly readily in captivity, but specific reports for this species are scarce.

Good to know

Rarely seen in the trade and easily confused with other Rineloricaria species, so identification by sellers may be unreliable. Avoid boisterous tankmates that outcompete it for sinking food.