Whiptail Catfish (Rineloricaria lanceolata) Care Guide

A flat-bodied, bottom-dwelling catfish with a distinctive elongated tail filament. Blends perfectly with sandy substrates due to its mottled brown coloration.

Overview

Rineloricaria lanceolata is a species in the family Loricariidae. A flat-bodied, bottom-dwelling catfish with a distinctive elongated tail filament. Blends perfectly with sandy substrates due to its mottled brown coloration. An efficient scavenger and biofilm grazer that helps keep the tank floor clean.

Taxonomy

Family: Loricariidae
Genus: Rineloricaria
Scientific name: Rineloricaria lanceolata
Other names: Lanceolate Whiptail
Origin: South America, Paraguay, Argentina

Habitat

Rineloricaria lanceolata is a slim, long-tailed loricariid catfish from rivers of Paraguay and Argentina in South America. A peaceful bottom dweller, it grazes biofilm and detritus over sand and wood and spawns in tubes or crevices with male care.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 80 L
Temperature: 22-27 °C
pH: 6-7.5
GH: 2-15 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 10-12 cm
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 1x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Position in tank: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Neon Tetra, Corydoras, Cherry Shrimp, Harlequin Rasbora
Avoid with: Large Cichlids, Aggressive Fish

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-depositor
Breeding difficulty: intermediate