Royal Farlowella

The royal farlowella (Sturisomatichthys festivus, formerly Sturisoma festivum) is a distinctive suckermouth catfish endemic to the Lake Maracaibo basin in Colombia and Venezuela. Reaching a standard length of 16.9 cm (6.7 in), it has an extremely elongated, slender body with a pointed snout and a long, whip-like tail, giving it a striking resemblance to a twig or blade of grass. The body is tan to olive brown with a dark horizontal stripe and subtle mottling, providing excellent camouflage among submerged branches and driftwood.

Despite its semi-aggressive label, this species is generally peaceful toward non-conspecifics and makes a fascinating addition to a spacious community aquarium of at least 200 L (53 gal). It requires a well-oxygenated tank with moderate water flow and plenty of driftwood, which serves both as a hiding place and as a surface for grazing biofilm and algae. A sand substrate is ideal, and plants such as Anubias or Java fern attached to woodwork well. Water parameters should be 24-28C (75-82F), pH 6.0-7.5, with moderate hardness. As a member of Loricariidae, it is a facultative air breather and may occasionally gulp at the surface.

Royal farlowellas are primarily herbivorous and should be offered high-quality vegetable-based sinking wafers, blanched zucchini, cucumber, and spirulina tablets. They will also graze naturally on algae and biofilm in a mature tank. Males develop a bristly odontodal growth on the snout as they mature, while females remain smoother. Breeding has been accomplished in captivity but is uncommon. These catfish are best kept singly or as a pair and can live up to 10 years with excellent care.