Whiptail Catfish

The marbled whiptail catfish is a slender, bottom-dwelling loricariid from South America that reaches about 18 cm in length. Unlike many plecos it is not a bulky fish — its body is flattened and elongate, perfect for slipping between driftwood branches and under leaf litter. It needs a soft sand substrate to sift through without damaging its barbels, and plenty of hiding spots among bogwood or smooth stones. A tank of 150 litres or more gives it room to forage. Temperature should be kept between 24°C and 27°C with a pH of 5.6 to 7.8 and moderate water movement that mimics its flowing-water habitat. These are peaceful fish that do not bother tankmates, but they are best kept singly or in a small group of three since males can scrap over territory. They are omnivorous, grazing on algae, biofilm, and any prepared food that reaches the bottom, though sinking wafers and blanched vegetables should form the staple. One unusual trait is paternal lip-brooding — the male carries the brood of eggs in his lower lip for around 10-15 days, keeping them ventilated with movements of his mouthparts, and releases well-developed free-swimming fry. Their lifespan in aquariums can reach ten years when conditions are stable.