Rineloricaria fallax
| Common Names: | Whiptail Catfish Whiptail Pleco |
| Synonyms: | Loricaria fallax |
| Family: | Loricariidae |
| Category: | Catfish_Bottom_Feeders |
| Distribution: | America - South; Paraguay, South America |
| Main Ecosystem: | River; River |
| Temperament: | Reclusive; Peaceful. |
| Diet: | Herbivore; Herbivore |
| Care: | Feed with zucchini and sinking algae pellets in the evening. The whiptail comes from shallow, fast flowing streams, so some water movement is required. Broad leaved plants are recommended and are rarely damaged. Some driftwood is also recommended, but not essential. As with most catfish, the Whiptail is nocturnal. |
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| Potential Size: | Male: 15cm (5.9") Female: 15cm (5.9") |
| Water Region: | Bottom; Bottom |
| Activity: | Nocturnal; Nocturnal |
| Gender: | Males have a thicker brush on their mouths. |
| Breeding: | Difficult. Perfect water conditions are required, along with plenty of food. Make sure the food is eaten though, as any left to waste will degrade the water quality. A long, shallow (15-25cm deep) breeding tank should be set up, with very fine gravel. Some hollow logs/tubing are essential as the eggs are laid in these and then guarded by the male. The fry are hard to raise, and in their first few weeks should be fed young brine shrimp. |
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| Comments: | Sensitive to poor water quality, hence not a good beginner fish. When first introduced, the Whiptail can be quite timid, but will become more visible over time. |
| Main Colours: | Brown |
| Markings: | Not Specified |
| Mouth: | Sucking Disc |
| Tail: | Concave |
| Search: | Show similar species Find compatible species |
| Image Credit: | © FishProfiles.com |
| Submitted By: | Adam |
| Contributors: | Natalie |
| History: | View changes to this profile |
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