Whiptail Catfish (Dasyloricaria filamentosa)
| Whiptail Catfish Dasyloricaria filamentosa | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Whiptail Catfish |
| Name Lat. | Dasyloricaria filamentosa |
| Synonym | Loricaria filamentosa |
| Family | Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Loricariidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Colombia |
| Habitat | Rivers |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Nocturnal, peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 10-15 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 20-26 cm |
| Temperature | 21-28 °C |
| Hardness | 2-20 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 300 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 8"-10.2" |
| Temperature | 70-82 °F |
| Hardness | 36-356 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 80 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the crepuscular Banded Catfish is the Magdalena River and Catatumbo River basins in Colombia. They live in the shallow waters of rivers, preferring sandy bottoms among fallen leaves, sunken logs and roots protruding into the water.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have dense perimeter planting with roots, round stones, clay tubes and caves (hiding places) and free sandy areas of fine-grained sand covered with some foliage (oak, sea almond tree). Subdued light and a medium current are ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the 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
Their diet consists mainly of insect larvae and small crustaceans. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality dry food for loricariids (granules, pellets, chips, tablets) as well as zooplankton, cyclops, daphnia, mosquito larvae, artemia, etc. (live or frozen), plus occasionally some vegetable food, such as algae leaves, zucchini, crushed peas or scalded spinach, which is accepted differently from individual to individual.
Only feed 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
They are very peaceful catfish that are somewhat territorial only during spawning season and are very suitable for a community tank with other calm fish. It is recommended to keep them in a group of 3-5 animals.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
No external distinguishing characteristics are known. Spawning females are slightly rounder
Reproduction and breeding
They are cave breeders. Bamboo, clay and PVC tubes or clay caves are suitable for breeding
The female lays the eggs in the cave, which are then fertilized by the male. The male takes over the brood care, guards the cave and fans the eggs with his fins. The larvae hatch after 4-5 days and swim free after 2-3 days, which is the end of the male's brood care. The fry eat soft lettuce and spinach leaves, zucchini slices as well as microworms and Artemia nauplii
In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.
Important
When trapping, use the finest mesh nets possible to prevent the hard rays of the pectoral fins or the skin teeth (odontodes) from becoming 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: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & EVERS (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 6, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF