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i etheir want to brislte nose plecos or to twig catfish which one is easier to breed and to care for?

Bristlenoses are easier to both keep (very forgiving of water parameter changes and imperfect water quality) and breed (along with cories and danios, they're what I consider one of the top three egglayers likely to breed with no help in a community setting).

That said, if you have your heart set on Whiptails - go with them! IMO it's always better to go with the one you love than the "easy" species. Um, [/preaching]. Sorry, had to get my $.02 in!

-Molly
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I agree completely. Bristlenoses are very easy to care for, and to breed, but you should pick whichever fish your want. The one thing about bn cats is that two males will become territorial, and squabble with each other. Since you mentioned that you wanted two, I would try and pick one male and one female, that way there will be little or no aggression, and possibly even breeding! You would be able to sell the fry for a pretty penny...

Last edited by sirbooks at 07-Oct-2004 05:31

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

how do u sex them both types?

well actually both are somewhat simular in sexing methods. males will have (more) bristles on both.

Farlowella males have very fine bristles bordering the snout region as well as a broader snout. The females have a thinner snout and it does not develope any bristles.

Bristlenose males have more bristles that extend to the all regions of the face, females only develope bristles into the outter region of the face and not in the middle region.

HTH,
Justin

I have had both over the years but now I stick to the BNs I have no idea how many in my tank as they breed occasionally.

Keith

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Whiptails are a different species from twig cats.
As JD stated, males have wider snouts with bristle like protrusions.

IME, these guys require a GREAT deal of attention and care. Not only do they are very demanding in regads to water quality. This is not so much the actual parameters of the water but rather their inability to adapt/sensitivity dring acclimation. Furthermore, twigies will starve themselves if stressed out, especially if placed in a tank with hyperactive or aggressive swimming mates. Hence, most LFS carry twig cats that haven't eaten for days, and wll likely die of starvation. Once they have gone through acclimation successfully, take note that the are relatively short lived compared to other loracarrids.

Around here, Farlowella Acus is the Whiptail Cat and the Twig Cat. See, this is why common names are so gosh-darned useless.

Are we all talking about Farlowella Acus?

-Molly
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How large do the bn have to get before you can sex them. Mine is about 1 3/4.

Here, only catfish of the genus loricari (i forget the exact spelling) and related species are referred to as whiptails. Guess common names really are confusing.