The Royal Farlowella (Sturisoma panamense), commonly referred to as the Twig or Whiptail Catfish, is a distinctive member of the Loricariidae family of South American suckermouth catfish. While most suckermouth catfish species have not been successfully bred in aquariums, the Royal Farlowella has been successfully bred by a select few farms. This species stands out with its slender, twig-like body and the “streamer” extensions on its tail.
The Royal Farlowella is mostly active at night, but with proper habitat and hiding spots, it can also be active during the day. While it does not have a strong appetite for wood like some suckermouth catfish, supplementing its diet with wood and biofilm can be beneficial. This species is generally not harmful to plants, but will consume a significant amount of algae in its juvenile stage. For optimal health, feed the Royal Farlowella a diet rich in vegetable matter, such as high-quality flakes and algae wafers. It will also appreciate fresh vegetables like peas, spinach, zucchini, and cucumber. Occasional meaty foods like bloodworms can be given sparingly, as this species tends to eat constantly and excess animal protein can be harmful and produce excess waste in the aquarium.
The Royal Farlowella is a peaceful species and can live harmoniously with most non-aggressive fish and invertebrates. While larger specimens may consume small dwarf shrimp, including their fry, many aquarists have successfully kept them together. The Royal Farlowella can grow up to 8 inches in length, but its slender body does not contribute significantly to the bioload typically produced by thicker fish of comparable size.
Purchase Size: approx 1″
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