Twig catfish - Farlowella vittata

Scientific name: Farlowella vittata

Common name: Twig catfish

Family: Loricariidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 12 - 15 cm (4.72 - 5.91 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6 - 7

Recommended water hardness: 3 - 8°N (53.57 - 142.86ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 24 - 26 °C (75.2 - 78.8°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

Short description

The Twig catfish (Farlowella vittata) is a slender, stick-like loricariid specialized for life on submerged branches and stems. It is peaceful but delicate, thriving only in very clean, well-oxygenated water with stable parameters. Most time is spent motionless, clinging to wood, plant stalks, or even the glass—excellent camouflage that helps this species avoid stress when provided with plenty of cover and gentle flow.

Origin

South America; primarily the Amazon and Orinoco drainages (Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela), inhabiting slow to moderate, clear waters with abundant submerged wood and vegetation.

Food and feeding

A cautious aufwuchs/biofilm grazer. Offer high-quality algae/spirulina wafers and soft vegetable matter (blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach), and allow a light algal film to develop on smooth wood/rocks for grazing. Supplement sparingly with fine frozen foods such as daphnia or cyclops. Avoid protein-heavy diets; consistent access to plant matter and biofilm is key.

Sexing

Mature males develop a broader rostrum with fine bristles/odontodes and thicker cheek odontodes; females have a narrower, smoother snout and appear fuller when gravid.

Breeding

A substrate-attaching spawner. The male cleans a vertical or slanted surface (glass, leaf, wood) and guards a clutch of roughly 30–60 eggs, fanning them until hatching in about 7–10 days (temperature-dependent). Fry remain delicate: provide immaculate water, strong oxygenation, and constant access to soft greens, powdered algae foods, and natural biofilm.

Lifespan

Typically 8–10 years in excellent conditions (claims of 12–15 years are exceptional and seldom achieved in aquaria).

Behavior & compatibility

Very peaceful and timid. Keep with calm, non-nippy tank mates that won’t outcompete them at feeding (small tetras/rasboras, gentle dwarf cichlids, small Corydoras). Avoid boisterous species and fin-nippers. Provide multiple perches and quiet zones to reduce stress.

Tank requirements

Footprint & scape: open lanes with plenty of driftwood/branches, stems, and smooth rocks for perching and biofilm growth.
Substrate: fine sand or rounded gravel; leaf litter optional.
Flow & oxygen: gentle to moderate current with strong aeration; low nitrate.
Water: soft, slightly acidic to neutral (pH ~6.0–7.0); stable temperature.
Maintenance: frequent partial water changes and careful feeding; avoid sudden parameter swings.