Amazon whiptail catfish - Farlowella amazonum

Scientific name: Farlowella amazonum

Common name: Amazon whiptail catfish

Family: Loricariidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 20 - 24 cm (7.87 - 9.45 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.4 - 7.3

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 15°N (71.43 - 267.86ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and Feeding

The Amazon Whiptail Catfish (Farlowella amazonum) is an omnivore with a strong preference for plant-based foods. In the wild, they primarily graze on biofilm and algae, but in captivity, their diet should be supplemented with a mix of high-quality foods. To ensure proper nutrition, provide:

Staple diet: Sinking pellets, algae wafers, and high-quality flake food.
Vegetable matter: Blanched spinach, zucchini slices, shelled peas, and cucumber.
Occasional protein-based foods: Bloodworms, chopped cockles, and frozen brine shrimp.

Feeding should be done once or twice a day in small portions. Since they are slow eaters, avoid keeping them with highly competitive fish that may outcompete them for food.

Origin

Native to South America, the Amazon Whiptail Catfish is primarily found in the waterways of Brazil, including slow-moving rivers, flooded areas, and tributaries with soft, acidic water. Their natural habitat is rich in submerged vegetation, driftwood, and sandy or muddy substrates.

Sexing

Sexing Farlowella amazonum is relatively straightforward when they reach maturity. Key differences include:

Males: Have a serrated, bristly texture along their cheeks and snout.
Females: Have a smoother face without serrations.

Breeding

Breeding Farlowella amazonum in captivity is possible but requires specific conditions. They are egg-layers, and males take on parental responsibilities. To encourage spawning:

Provide PVC pipes, driftwood, or flat stones as spawning sites.
Maintain stable water parameters with soft, slightly acidic water (pH around 6.5 - 7.0).
Perform frequent partial water changes to mimic rainy season conditions.

During spawning, the female lays eggs on a smooth surface, such as a pipe or piece of driftwood. Once fertilized, the male guards the eggs until they hatch, typically within 5-7 days. The fry become free-swimming a few days later and should be fed on blanched vegetables, algae wafers, and crushed spirulina flakes.

Lifespan

With proper care and optimal tank conditions, Farlowella amazonum can live for 5-8 years.

Tank Setup and Behavior

The Amazon Whiptail Catfish is peaceful and social, preferring to live in small groups. Due to their delicate nature, they should only be housed with similarly calm and non-aggressive fish. Recommended tank setup includes:

Substrate: Soft sand or fine gravel to prevent injury.
Hiding places: Driftwood, caves, and dense plant coverage.
Water parameters: pH 6.4 - 7.3, temperature 23 - 27°C (73.4 - 80.6°F).
Filtration: A gentle filter with minimal current to avoid stressing the fish.

They tend to be timid and may hide frequently if housed with boisterous species. A peaceful community tank with plenty of shaded areas will encourage them to be more active.

Suitable Tank Mates

Due to their gentle nature, Farlowella amazonum should be kept with peaceful, slow-moving fish. Suitable tank mates include:

Neon Tetras – Small, peaceful schooling fish.
Ember Tetras – Ideal due to their calm nature.
Harlequin Rasboras – Non-aggressive mid-level swimmers.
Otocinclus Catfish – Complementary algae grazers.
Corydoras Catfish – Compatible bottom dwellers.

Tank mates to avoid:

Oscars – Too aggressive and territorial.
Convict Cichlids – Can outcompete them for food.
Tiger Barbs – Known fin-nippers that may harass whiptails.

Recommended Plants

Since these catfish prefer environments rich in submerged vegetation, adding live plants will help replicate their natural habitat. Suitable plants include:

Java Fern – Hardy and grows well on driftwood.
Anubias – Provides shade and shelter.
Cryptocoryne Wendtii – Great for mid-ground planting.
Java Moss – Encourages algae growth for grazing.

Short Description

The Amazon Whiptail Catfish (Farlowella amazonum) is a unique, elongated catfish known for its stick-like appearance and calm demeanor. It is an excellent addition to a peaceful community tank, particularly in well-planted setups. Due to their slow eating habits, care should be taken to ensure they receive adequate food. Their interesting breeding behavior and gentle nature make them a fascinating species for aquarists looking for something different.