Royal Whiptail 6cm

Size and Lifespan

The Royal Whiptail Catfish can grow to an impressive size of 20–25 cm (8–10 inches), making it suitable for spacious aquariums. With proper care, including excellent water quality and a balanced diet, it can live for 8–10 years. Its size and longevity make it a captivating long-term addition to larger tanks.

Ideal Tank Setup

A 200-litre tank or larger is essential for housing this large catfish. To replicate its natural habitat:

• Use soft sand or fine gravel substrate to protect its delicate barbels and elongated fins.
• Include driftwood, rocks, and live plants to provide grazing surfaces and shaded areas.
• Maintain gentle water flow and strong filtration to ensure clean, oxygen-rich water.

Water Parameters

• pH Range: 6.5–7.5
• Temperature: 23–28°C
• Filtration: High-quality filtration is critical to maintain pristine water conditions, as this species is sensitive to poor water quality.

Compatible Tank Mates

The Royal Whiptail Catfish is peaceful and thrives in community tanks with similarly calm species. Suitable tank mates include:

• Tetras
• Rasboras
• Corydoras catfish
• Dwarf gouramis

Avoid aggressive or overly active species that might outcompete it for food or cause stress. Keeping them singly or in pairs works best, as they do not require social interaction but appreciate a tranquil environment.

Feeding and Nutrition

As an omnivore, the Royal Whiptail Catfish grazes on algae and plant matter while also benefiting from protein-based foods. Offer a varied diet that includes:

• Algae wafers or sinking catfish pellets
• Blanched vegetables such as courgette, cucumber, or spinach
• Occasional live or frozen foods like bloodworms or daphnia

Feed once or twice daily, ensuring the food reaches the bottom where this species naturally forages. Its grazing habits help maintain algae control, contributing to a cleaner aquarium.

Breeding and Behaviour

Breeding Sturisoma panamense in captivity is possible with the right conditions. Males develop bristles or thickened patches on their heads as they mature, while females are generally rounder when carrying eggs. To encourage breeding:

1. Provide smooth surfaces such as driftwood or flat rocks for spawning.
2. Maintain stable water parameters with slightly warmer temperatures around 26–28°C.

Males guard the eggs until they hatch, which typically takes 7–10 days. Fry can be fed on powdered algae wafers and finely crushed vegetables.

This species is calm and spends much of its time grazing along surfaces, making it a beautiful and functional addition to planted aquariums. Its flowing fins and slender body add a touch of elegance to any tank.

Species Overview

• Species: Sturisoma panamense
• Common Name: Royal Whiptail Catfish
• Origin: South America
• Diet: Omnivorous
• pH Range: 6.5–7.5
• Temperature: 23–28°C
• Max Size: 20–25 cm (8–10 inches)
• Tank Size: Minimum 200 litres