All fish / Loricariidae

Bearded Royal Farlowella

Sturisoma barbatum

Also known as bearded sturisoma, sturisoma barbatum, whiptail catfish, royal farlowella, giant whiptail, スツリソマ・バルバツム, 长须鲟身鲶

This is a long, slim whiptail catfish with a tall sail-like dorsal fin, a dark stripe running along each side of a tan body, and long filaments on the tips of the tail fin. Mature males grow noticeable bristles on the cheeks, which is where the name barbatum comes from. People keep it as a calm, unusual algae grazer for larger community tanks with gentle tankmates.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

20 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Singly, in pairs or small groups

Diet

Herbivore: algae, blanched vegetables, sinking algae wafers, with some frozen bloodworm or brine shrimp

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Paraguay and Paraná river basins (Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina)

Breeding

Pairs spawn on smooth vertical surfaces such as glass or broad leaves, and the male guards and fans the eggs until they hatch in about a week. It has been bred in home aquariums, but rearing the fry needs clean, well-oxygenated water and plenty of fine plant-based food.

Good to know

It needs good water flow, high oxygen and stable clean water, and it can be outcompeted for food by boisterous fish. Some fish sold under this name are actually related Sturisoma or Sturisomatichthys species, so check the identification.