Twig Catfish (Farlowella vittata)
| Twig Catfish Farlowella vittata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Twig Catfish |
| Name Lat. | Farlowella vittata |
| Synonym | Farlowella agustini |
| Family | Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Loricariidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Venezuela |
| Habitat | Rivers, streams |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.0 |
| Behavior | Nocturnal, peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Substrate spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 5-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 15 cm |
| Temperature | 24-27 °C |
| Hardness | 3-10 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 250 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 6" |
| Temperature | 75-81 °F |
| Hardness | 53-178 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 65 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The range of the needle catfish is the Orinoco River watershed in Colombia and Venezuela. They live in slow flowing waters often on sandy bottoms between fallen leaves, sunken tree trunks, branches and roots protruding into the water.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense border planting with broad-leaved species, roots, round stones and hiding places (caves, clay tubes) as well as free sandy areas of fine-grained sand covered with some foliage (oak, sea almond tree). Subdued light (floating plant cover) and a weak current is ideal.
Ammonia, ammonium and nitrite must not be detectable in the water, and the nitrate value must not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They feed on plant and animal food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality dry food for loricariid catfish (granules, pellets, chips, tablets), supplemented with algae leaves and fresh vegetables, such as zucchini, broccoli, bruised peas, scalded spinach, as well as zoopankton, cyclops, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, shrimp, etc. (live or frozen). Feed only as much as will be eaten within a few minutes, excluding plant foods. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
These crepuscular to nocturnal fish are peaceful towards each other and other fish. At least 4 needle catfish should be kept together. They should only be socialized with very calm and peaceful fish. Keeping them together with burrowing catfish like Corydoras is not recommended
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
Sexually mature males have a broader head and have odontode growth on the proboscis-like extension of the head (rostrum).
Reproduction and breeding
They are substrate spawners. The female attaches 60-80 eggs in an elongated cluster to the substrate (leaves, roots, aquarium glass), where they are inseminated by the male. The clutch is guarded and fanned by the male. After about 10 days the larvae hatch
The fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (infusoria). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is an easy prey.
Important
The needle catfish (Farlowella vittata) is often confused with the Farlowella acus, whose rostrum is wider and shorter
When catching, use as fine-meshed nets as possible so that the hard rays of the pectoral fins or the skin teeth (odontodes) do not get caught on the bone plates, which can cause painful puncture wounds when touched.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF