ROYAL WHIPTAIL

Royal Whiptail Catfish (Sturisoma panamense), also known as the Royal Farlowella or Royal Twig Catfish, is a peaceful and unique species of catfish popular among aquarists for its elongated body, striking appearance, and interesting behavior. Native to slow-moving waters in South America, the Royal Whiptail Catfish is a great addition to a community tank, especially one focused on South American species. Here’s a detailed care guide for the Royal Whiptail Catfish:

Tank Size and Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 30 gallons is recommended for one Royal Whiptail Catfish, but larger tanks (50 gallons or more) are preferable, especially if you plan to keep a group or other tank mates. They appreciate having space to swim and explore.
• Aquascape: Create a natural environment with driftwood, branches, and smooth rocks to mimic their natural habitat. These fish appreciate a tank with plenty of hiding spots and surfaces to graze on biofilm and algae. Adding dried leaves such as Indian almond leaves can help replicate their natural environment and slightly acidify the water.
• Substrate: A soft, sandy substrate is ideal to prevent injury to their sensitive barbels and undersides. Avoid sharp or coarse substrates that could cause harm.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient. Royal Whiptail Catfish prefer dimly lit tanks, so include shaded areas using floating plants or low-light plants like Anubias, Java fern, and crypts.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: They prefer water temperatures between 72-82°F (22-28°C). A heater is recommended to maintain a stable temperature.
• pH: Maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. They can tolerate a broader pH range, but stability is key.
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water is ideal, with a general hardness (GH) of 4-15 dGH.
• Water Quality: Royal Whiptail Catfish are sensitive to poor water conditions. Regular water changes of 20-30% weekly are essential. Use a water conditioner to treat tap water before adding it to the aquarium. Ensure ammonia and nitrite levels remain at 0 ppm, and keep nitrates below 20 ppm.

Filtration and Water Flow

• Filtration: A high-quality filtration system is necessary to maintain water quality. Canister filters or sponge filters are good options, as they provide mechanical and biological filtration. Ensure the filtration system provides gentle water movement, as Royal Whiptail Catfish do not appreciate strong currents.
• Water Flow: They prefer slow to moderate water flow, replicating the gentle currents of their natural habitat. Avoid strong currents that may cause stress.