Description
Whiptail Catfish Rhineloricaria parva
The Whiptail catfish has been a popular aquarium fish for decades and is named for the whip-like extensions to the tail. Wild habitats tend to feature a combination of leaf litter and sandy substrates. This is a charming and delicate-looking loricariid that is ideally suited to a quiet, planted aquarium. It is a peaceful fish that is best kept in a mature tank with plenty of shady hiding spots amongst plants, driftwood, slate caves, and PVC pipes. Filtration should be efficient, but water movement fairly gentle. Tankmates should be of similar size and temperament e.g. some of the smaller pencilfish, tetras, and Corydoras species, or dwarf cichlids (Apistogramma/ Mikrogeophagus etc). Avoid tankmates that are boisterous at feeding times, as these sedentary little catfish will not compete well.
