Black-Mouthed Whiptail (Sturisoma nigrirostrum) Care Guide
Sturisoma nigrirostrum is a slender whiptail catfish from the Ucayali River basin in Peru, named for its characteristic dark snout.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Sturisoma nigrirostrum is a slender whiptail catfish in the family Loricariidae, described by Fowler in 1940. It is named for its characteristic dark snout and reaches about 22 cm in length. It thrives in well-oxygenated water.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Sturisoma
- Scientific name: Sturisoma nigrirostrum
- Describer: Fowler, 1940
- Common trade name: Black-Mouthed Whiptail
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Ucayali River basin in Peru. It is a freshwater, demersal species of tropical waters, with a recorded environment of pH 6.0-7.0 and hardness up to 15 dH at 25-30 degrees Celsius.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 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, with clean, well-filtered water.
Diet
Like other whiptails of this group, Sturisoma nigrirostrum is largely herbivorous and benefits from algae, blanched vegetables and 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.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 25 April 2014).
Sturisoma nigrirostrum Breeding Guide
Overview
Sturisoma nigrirostrum, the Black-Mouthed Whiptail, is a Peruvian loricariid recorded by AquaInfo from the Ucayali River basin, where it inhabits white-water systems with current and submerged wood, reaching about 25 cm. It is an open spawner: AquaInfo reports eggs are laid on submerged wood, specifically on the underside of the wood, rather than in a cave. It is primarily herbivorous, feeding mainly on algae and plant material in nature, and AquaInfo gives a general hardness tolerance of 2-15 degrees dH.
Sexing
AquaInfo states that in the breeding season males develop a kind of beard of odontodes (denticles) on their cheeks, which females lack. Females are stouter and rounder when carrying eggs.
Conditioning
AquaInfo notes the diet, which in nature consists mainly of algae and plant material, must also be replicated in the aquarium. Condition adults on algae and vegetable foods such as blanched vegetables and algae-based tablets in clean, oxygen-rich water with good flow, providing submerged driftwood both as grazing surface and as a potential spawning site. A varied vegetable-led diet brings females into condition, after which they fill out with eggs.
Breeding Setup
Provide a mature, well-oxygenated tank with submerged wood and smooth surfaces for egg deposition and brisk current. AquaInfo gives a temperature of 24-30 degrees C (optimal breeding around 29 degrees C), pH 6.5-7.5 and general hardness 2-15 degrees dH.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The female lays the adhesive eggs on wood (AquaInfo: on the underside of the wood). As in the whiptail group, the male then guards and fans the clutch. Cooler, softer water changes simulating the rainy season, combined with strong flow, are the usual spawning trigger.
Egg & Fry Care
AquaInfo reports the eggs hatch after about 5 full days at 29 degrees C, with fry measuring roughly 1 cm and still carrying a yolk sac. Once free-swimming, the young consume algae from wood or are supplemented with micro worms or Artemia. Continuous access to soft food and clean water is essential.
Common Challenges
AquaInfo notes breeding is possible but the young require specific care. As with other whiptails, the main difficulties are ensuring the fry can graze continuously and maintaining strong oxygenation and current throughout incubation and rearing.