All fish / Loricariidae

Royal Whiptail Catfish

Sturisoma rostratum

Also known as whiptail catfish, royal farlowella, sturisoma, long-nosed whiptail, giant whiptail, royal whiptail, スタリソーマ・ロストラータム, 鲟鱼异型, 皇冠鲟鱼

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This is a long, slim suckermouth catfish with a pointed snout, a tall dorsal fin and long filaments on both lobes of the tail. It is sandy brown with a dark stripe running along each side. Keepers like it because it is calm, unusual to look at, and grazes on algae.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

18 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Single, pair or small group

Diet

Herbivore: algae wafers, blanched courgette, cucumber and spinach, plus occasional bloodworm or brine shrimp

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Amazon basin, Brazil, possibly Peru

Breeding

Pairs lay eggs on smooth vertical surfaces such as glass or broad leaves, and the male guards them until they hatch. Mature males grow bristles along the sides of the head. Spawning in captivity is possible in clean, well oxygenated water, but true S. rostratum is seldom available to try.

Good to know

Many fish sold under this name are actually other Sturisoma or Sturisomatichthys species, so check what you are buying. It needs clean, well oxygenated water with a gentle current and does poorly with fast or boisterous fish that take its food.