Scientific Name(s): Acestra acus, Farlowella scolopacina, Loricaria scolopacina

Common Name(s): Twig Catfish, Stick Catfish, Whiptail Catfish, Needle Catfish, Actus, Farlowella

Origin: Central and South America

Family: Loricariidae, the largest family of catfish

Order: Siluriformes

Species Type: South American catfish

Maximum Size: 6-8 inches (15-20 cm)

Life Span: 5-8 years

Natural Habitat: This catfish thrives in the shallow, gentle flowing shore lines of Central and South America. They are right at home and blend perfectly among the scattered dead leaves, roots, sticks and twigs that cover the river beds.

Diet: Algae primarily, but fresh sliced cucumber, dried seaweed sheets, algae disks, Blanched romaine lettuce and leftovers that make it to the bottom of the aquarium also be excepted. With algae being the primary diet its best to only add this catfish to an established aquarium.

Temperature: 68°-77° F (25°-28° C)

PH: 6.8-7.6

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallon (136.5 litres)

Tank Region:You will find them grazing at all levels of the aquarium.

Temperament: Very peaceful, gentle and shy towards their tank mates. Male Farlowellas are territorial towards other males. Males should not be kept together.

Possible Tank Mates: These catfish are shy and will not compete for food so very peaceful tank mates are a must. Small, quite tankmates such as Tetras: Neons, Cardinals, Glowlights, Lemon, Black Phantom, and Harlequin rasboras, Cherry Barbs, Corydoras catfish, blind Cavefish, Zebra danios, Leopard danios and Dwarf African frogs to name a few are a good choice.

Filtration and Setup: Farlowelles are very sensitive to water conditions. There is no way around it, if you plan on keeping this catfish you must be well experienced in good water quality control practices and perform frequent water changes. An established, well-aerated aquarium with a fine gravel or sand to allow for burrowing is preferred. Plenty of hidding places in and around the rocks, roots, Driftwood, and hardy plants will make this Catfish feel right at home.

Coloration: They are a brownish color with a lateral dark stripes that run the entire length of its body.



Breeding: (Egg layers) Females are slightly more robust and the males have whiskers. A well planted 78°-80° F aquarium with dim lighting is recommended