Breeding Whiptail Catfish (Dasyloricaria Filamentosa) In The Aquarium

Whiptail Catfish, Longfin Streamer Catfish, Twisted Whiptail Catfish, Whiptail Plecostomus

Occurrence

This freshwater species naturally inhabits shallow rivers and streams. It is considered to be an endemic species that can be found in the Magdalena River in Colombia and in the tributaries of Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela. The group includes 5 species, which vary in body structure and coloration. The fish can reach up to 26 cm in length in nature. It feeds on algae, plankton, insect larvae, and small crustaceans.

Physical Appearance

The Colombian armored catfish stands out with its characteristic and unique body structure - with an elongated and thin tail, similar to that of a lizard. The tail ends with a forked caudal fin with elongated external rays. Body coloration is brownish-gray with a lighter belly. The entire body is covered with bony plates (including the belly) – a kind of armor, while the rays of the pectoral and dorsal fins are transformed into spines. The species lacks a fatty fin while the dorsal fin overlaps with the ventral fins. The fish has a fairly large head, wide-set, dorsal eyes. Short snout, rounded, ending underneath with a characteristic mouth opening. It's not a typical sucker, but a small mouth opening with a narrow upper lip, covered with several fleshy protrusions, and a very wide, fleshy lower lip, covered with oval protrusions. Additionally, the lower lip eventually grows elongated, unbranched, and flattened protrusions. Both jaws (lower and upper) have teeth. Sexual dimorphism is not easy to distinguish. The female, upon reaching sexual maturity, is fuller in the abdominal areas, her head is slightly narrower and longer compared to the male's.

Temperament

This is a peaceful fish, which is mainly active at night. This is the time when it combs through the aquarium searching for food. During the day it hides in shadowy tank spots or buries itself in the substrate. Occasionally, it nibbles on soft and small plant leaves. Also, males can be slightly territorial towards themselves or other bottom-dwelling species. The Colombian armored catfish can be easily kept in a community aquarium with other fish of similar temperament and size.

Aquarium

This species prefers spacious tanks, longer than higher. These should be equipped with soft and fine substrate, numerous hiding places among round stones, roots with smooth edges, plants properly protected from being dug up. The light should be dim or diffused. This fish is very sensitive to nitrates and nitrites. It requires clean water, with the bottom of the tank regularly cleaned.

Breeding

This is an oviparous fish. The male initiates mating. The breeding period begins with the selection of an appropriate hiding place, where the eggs will be laid and cleaned. This is usually a narrow cavern, a ceramic or pvc pipe, a place under the root. Then the male tempts the female by making vibrating movements. The lured female lays yellow-red eggs, about 100-150 pieces about 2 mm in size, in the hideout. After the eggs are laid, the male immediately fertilizes them, and the female leaves the hideout. The male takes care of egg masses and guards them against potential threats. Carefully and meticulously nurtures, cleans, and oxygenates the eggs until they hatch. The larvae emerge after 7-9 days (depending on the water temperature), and after another 2, they swim freely in search of food. The young fish is very sensitive to water quality.