Whiptail Catfish (Rineloricaria beni)
| Whiptail Catfish Rineloricaria beni | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Whiptail Catfish |
| Name Lat. | Rineloricaria beni |
| Synonym | Hemiloricaria beni |
| Family | Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Loricariidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Bolivia |
| Habitat | Tributaries, streams |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Nocturnal, peaceful |
| Keeping | Pair, group |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 5-10 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 8 cm |
| Temperature | 20-25 °C |
| Hardness | 1-10 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 100 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 3" |
| Temperature | 68-77 °F |
| Hardness | 18-178 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 25 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the mainly crepuscular to nocturnal dwarf witch catfishes are rivers, streams and lakes in the catchment area of the Rio Beni in northeastern Bolivia. They live in shallow water preferably on sandy bottoms between fallen leaves, sunken tree trunks, branches and roots protruding into the water.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have dense 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 in the water, and 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 plant 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
Dwarf witch catfish are calm and peaceful fish. The males are somewhat territorial only during spawning season. They should be kept in pairs or in a group of 3-5. Group keeping is only recommended in a larger, well-structured tank. They are very suitable for a community tank with other calm and peaceful fish.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. Sexually mature males have odontodes (pointed skin teeth) on the head and pectoral fins. Spawning mature females appear somewhat rounder
Reproduction and breeding
They are cave breeders. The female sticks the eggs to the ceiling of a cave, where they are fertilized by the male. The male performs the brood care. After 4-5 days the fry hatch and are then cared for a few more days before brood care ends. The fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii, microworms, Cylops, fine dry food)
In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.
Important
They are slow feeders and should not be kept with fish that are food competitors. Shared care with other bottom-dwelling fish is not recommended.
When trapping, use fine-mesh nets if 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: Winter Werner; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF