Family: Loricariidae
Distribution: Dasyloricaria filamentosa, known commonly as Whiptail Catfish, is a freshwater species distributed in the Magdalena River basin, in South America, and possibly in the Catatumbo River.
PH: 5.0 – 7.0
Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75 – 84F)
Hardness: 6 – 18 dH
Description: Dasyloricaria filamentosa can reach an impressive maximum length of 26 cm. This elongated catfish has a flat body adorned with rows of bony plates. It is notable for the 5 – 8 dark bars that run across its spine, and a mouth that is shaped like a suction cup. It is mostly a light brown colour, with some darker areas. Males are slimmer than females and have a broader head shape. This fish can live for up to 15 years.
Diet: Dasyloricaria filamentosa is an omnivore and will accept catfish pellets, lettuce, peas and cucumber. Provide it with brine shrimp and bloodworms to maintain a balanced diet.
Breeding: The Whiptail Catfish is tough to breed and is therefore not ideal for beginners, as it will require very specific water conditions. It is advised you set the breeding tank up with several spawning areas in the form of pipes or tubing; the female will lay 100 – 200 eggs in the pipe. Males will look after the eggs, and once the fry is hatched it should be fed freshly hatched brine shrimp.
Comments: This species is tough for beginners as it requires strict water conditions. You will need to keep the tank very clean and be careful when treating the water with medications. Give Dasyloricaria filamentosa plenty of hiding places – bogwood or rocks will be sufficient – and provide a sandy substrate for it to burrow in. The tank should be at least 100 litres in volume.
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Recommended Compatible Species: Dasyloricaria filamentosa is a very peaceful, compatible species that works well in a community tank. They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
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