Family: Loricariidae
Distribution: The Twig Catfish is endemic to the Amazon Basin in Venezuela. It prefers shallow water – such as the shore – and places that consist of lots of driftwood or plants.
PH: 7.5 – 8.5 pH
Temperature: 24 – 26°C (70 – 77°F)
Hardness: 5 – 12 dH
Description: Somewhat of a chameleon in the fish world, Farlowella acus come in various shades of brown that allow it to blend into twigs and plants. Up close, their bodies display intricate patterning. It is a very long and slender fish, with its nose being its most defining characteristic: shaped like a needle and long. The males are identifiable as their noses are thicker and apparently have whiskers, whilst the females’ bodies are bigger.
They are a placid fish around other species; however males will become territorial towards their own. Their food requirements can be extremely difficult and are often the reason they fail in community tanks.
Diet: A primarily vegetarian diet is recommended for Farlowella acus. They subsist on algae in the wild; although a captivity-diet often includes additions such as zucchini (an apparent favourite), peas, and spinach as well as occasional live or frozen foods. They are constant grazers.
Twig Catfish are complicated to feed because they are rather timid and will not fight for their food; hence, they often starve to death in community tanks. To overcome this, try feeding them when there is a reduction in light levels (such as twilight).
Breeding: The process of breeding itself is not a difficult task with Farlowella acus; the problems occur after the fry have hatched. A breeding tank should be set up that includes dense plantation, low lighting, mature water, neutral pH and minimal water current. The female will lay the eggs (40-80) on a hard surface (i.e. aquarium wall) at night or very early in the morning. The male Twig Catfish will then fan the eggs. The fry will appear about a week later, and the yolk sac will disappear a few days later.
The complications arise now, because the fry have to be fed immediately after hatching. A matured tank will give the fry micro-bacteria and plant material to feed on. They will also have to be fed baby brine shrimp and very fine vegetables; but don’t be surprised if many die: it takes them a while to get the hang of life.
Comments: As Farlowella acus are difficult to keep and breed, they are not recommended for beginners.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species:They should live happily with Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They also should be good 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 should live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish could make great tank mates.
Originally posted 2010-04-17 13:37:56. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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