All fish / Loricariidae

Shortnose Whiptail Catfish

Sturisomatichthys brevirostris

Also known as sturisoma brevirostre, royal farlowella, short-nosed whiptail, whiptail catfish, sturisoma brevirostris

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A slender, armoured suckermouth catfish with a short snout, tall sail-like dorsal and pectoral fins and long filaments on the tail lobes. It is kept for its unusual stick-like shape, calm nature and habit of grazing on algae and biofilm.

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 vegetables, biofilm, plus occasional frozen bloodworm

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Amazon basin: Peru, Brazil, Ecuador

Breeding

Males guard eggs laid on smooth vertical surfaces such as glass or wood until they hatch. Spawning is quite achievable in a mature, well-oxygenated tank, but the fry need plenty of fine plant-based food.

Good to know

Needs clean, well-oxygenated water with some current and does poorly with boisterous or fin-nipping tankmates. Often sold confused with other Sturisoma and Sturisomatichthys species.