Whiptail Catfish (Farlowella gracilis)

Whiptail Catfish is a type of freshwater catfish that comes from the Loricariidae family. This fish variety hails from South America and it is generally called as Twig catfish due to the elongated filament that grows from the caudal fin tip, which is the notable feature of this fish type. These fish varieties are largely found in the rivers of Central and Northern parts of South America, but they are imported to other nations as home aquarium pets. When developed in the aquarium, these fish breeds need only a moderate care, with the temperature of the water ranging from 73 degree Fahrenheit to 79 degree Fahrenheit.

Features

The Whiptail Catfish variety is a non-violent fish and has a maximum body length of 6 inches. These are toughened catfish with a brown and black colored body, with an elongated snout. Similar to several of the other fish varieties in their family, they boast a sucker mouth, which assists them in nourishing algae from the decorations and plants in the aquarium. They make a magnificent accumulation to any freshwater, serene community aquarium.

Usually, Whiptail Catfish varieties prefer aquariums that have high ventilation and water movement to create a healthy atmosphere. Driftwood and Rocks assist them to accent an innate habitation and offer them hiding places to reduce their pressure and to offer them an immense shelter. An aquarium with a minimum capacity of 50 gallons or a bigger tank is suggested for this fish variety.

Diet

Whiptail Catfish varieties are omnivores and they are not picky eaters. They feed on whatever is available at the base of the tank. They are mostly fed with algae wafers and leftover foods. In addition to these foods, they are also fed with sinking herbivore pellets, high-quality flake food, or freeze-dehydrated bloodworms.

Breeding

Spawning in Whiptail Catfish varieties occurs in hollow tubes, and then the male fish safeguards the eggs subsequent to driving the female fish away. The broods are smaller in size, usually less than 100 eggs. The fry hatch following a week, but will drain their yolk sac only after one or two days. Once this takes place, the fry will consume liquid fry food, algae and very delicately crushed flake food.

The average lifespan of the Whiptail Catfish breed ranges from 5 years to 8 years.