Festive Whiptail (Sturisoma festivum) Care Guide
Sturisoma festivum, now placed in Sturisomatichthys, is a slender peaceful whiptail catfish from the Lake Maracaibo basin in Venezuela.
Overview
Sturisoma festivum is a slender whiptail catfish in the family Loricariidae, described by Myers in 1942 and now placed in the genus Sturisomatichthys. It has subtle banding and filamentous fin extensions and reaches about 17 cm in standard length.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Scientific name: Sturisoma festivum
- Current placement: Sturisomatichthys festivum (Myers, 1942)
- Common trade name: Festive Whiptail
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Lake Maracaibo basin in Venezuela. It is a freshwater, demersal species of tropical climates.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-28 degrees Celsius (75-82 degrees Fahrenheit)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 dGH
- Water flow: moderate, well oxygenated
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Provide good oxygenation, submerged wood and open bottom space. Whiptails need clean, well-filtered water.
Diet
Like other whiptails of this group, Sturisoma festivum is largely herbivorous and benefits from algae, blanched vegetables and access to bogwood; small live or frozen foods may be taken occasionally.
Compatibility
The species is peaceful and bottom-oriented, suitable for community tanks with calm fish such as tetras and Corydoras. Aggressive or territorial plecos should be avoided.
Breeding
Whiptails of the Sturisoma group deposit eggs on flat surfaces, and the male guards and fans the clutch. Reproductive biology is similar across the group.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Not Evaluated (per FishBase).