All fish / Loricariidae

Black-nosed Sturisoma

Sturisoma nigrirostrum

Also known as royal farlowella, black nose sturisoma, sturisoma panamense, whiptail catfish, giant whiptail, royal whiptail, sturisoma nigrirostrum, スツリソーマ・ニグリロストルム, 黑吻鲟身鲶, 皇冠直升机

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A long, slender armoured catfish with a pointed dark snout, a tall dorsal fin and long filaments on the tail, coloured tan with dark lateral stripes. It is kept as a calm, unusual algae grazer for well oxygenated community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

20 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Pair or small group

Diet

Herbivore: algae wafers, blanched vegetables, biofilm, with some bloodworm and brine shrimp

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Amazon basin in Peru (Ucayali and Marañón drainages)

Breeding

Pairs lay eggs on smooth vertical surfaces such as glass and the male guards them until hatching after about a week. It breeds fairly readily in mature, clean tanks, though the fry need constant fine plant food.

Good to know

Needs strong flow, high oxygen and clean water, and is often confused with Sturisoma panamense, which is now placed in Sturisomatichthys. Avoid boisterous tankmates that outcompete it for food.