Giant Whiptail

The giant whiptail catfish is a strikingly elongated Loricariid endemic to the Magdalena basin in Colombia, reaching about 15 cm standard length. It has been reclassified from Sturisoma aureum to Sturisomatichthys aureus. The body is a mottled golden-brown with a dark horizontal stripe, and males develop rows of bristles along the sides of the head when mature.

Despite its length the fish is slender and needs a tank at least 120 cm long (about 200 litres), with moderate to strong current. The water should be kept at 20–26 °C, pH 6.6–7.6. Unlike many Loricariids the giant whiptail is sensitive to deteriorating water conditions. Driftwood and sturdy plants such as Anubias suit its natural perching behaviour.

The giant whiptail feeds primarily on algae and biofilm. In captivity it requires a well-lit tank that encourages algal growth, supplemented with blanched vegetables and spirulina-based sinking foods. They are nocturnal and feed most actively after lights out.

Extremely peaceful and somewhat shy, this catfish should not be housed with boisterous tankmates or fin-nippers. Good companions include angelfish, tetras, Corydoras and other quiet community fish. Breeding has been achieved in aquaria with the male guarding the eggs.