ರಾಯಲ್ ವಿಪ್ಟೈಲ್ ಕ್ಯಾಟ್ಫಿಶ್ | ಲೈವ್ ತಾಜಾ ನೀರಿನ ಅಕ್ವೇರಿಯಂ ಮೀನು | ಶ್ವಾಸಕೋಶದ ಮೀನು

The Royal Whiptail Catfish (scientific name: Sturisoma panamense), also known as the Royal Farlowella, is a fascinating and elegant species often sought after by aquarists for its unique appearance and algae-eating abilities. Here’s a detailed description of this fish at a size of 7-8 centimeters:

Coloration: The Royal Whiptail Catfish has a distinctive, earthy coloration that ranges from brown to olive-green with darker, almost black, longitudinal stripes running along its body. These stripes help it blend in with the substrate and plants in its natural habitat.

Body Shape: This catfish has an elongated, slender body that tapers off into a long, whip-like tail, giving it its common name. The body is flattened from top to bottom, and the fins are large and fan-like, adding to its graceful appearance. Its head is broad with a pointed snout, which is ideal for scraping algae off surfaces.

Size: At 7-8 centimeters, the Royal Whiptail Catfish is still in its juvenile stage but nearing adulthood. As an adult, it can reach a size of up to 15 centimeters (around 6 inches), making it a medium-sized catfish suitable for a variety of tank setups.

Temperament: The Royal Whiptail Catfish is peaceful and generally very timid. It spends most of its time near the bottom of the tank or attached to surfaces such as rocks, driftwood, or glass. Due to its shy nature, it’s not likely to bother other tank inhabitants, making it an excellent choice for community tanks.

Activity Level: This catfish is more active during the evening and night, though it can be seen grazing during the day as well. It is a dedicated algae eater and spends a lot of time slowly moving around the tank, cleaning surfaces.

Social Behavior: Royal Whiptail Catfish can be kept alone or in groups. If kept in groups, they should be provided with ample space and hiding spots to avoid stress. They generally get along well with other peaceful tank mates but should not be housed with aggressive species.

Tank Size: A tank of at least 90 litres is recommended for a single Royal Whiptail Catfish. If keeping more than one, a larger tank is necessary to ensure they have enough space.

Water Parameters: This species thrives in soft to moderately hard water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. They prefer slightly warmer water, with an ideal temperature range of 72-79°F (22-26°C).

Diet: The Royal Whiptail Catfish is primarily an herbivore, with a strong preference for algae. It will graze on algae growing on tank surfaces, making it a valuable addition to the aquarium for natural algae control. In addition to algae, they should be offered a variety of plant-based foods such as algae wafers, blanched vegetables (like zucchini or spinach), and spirulina tablets. They may also occasionally accept protein-based foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp, but plant matter should make up the bulk of their diet.