Farlowella Catfish: A Detailed Care Guide

Are you looking to add some excitement to your aquarium? Introducing the Farlowella catfish – a flamboyant and elegant species with a unique twist. But just how much do you know about this species? 

Farlowella catfish have the extraordinary ability to blend in with their surroundings, perfectly mimicking the colors and patterns of their environment. They are known for their long, slender whiskers, which are modified barbels for sensing their surroundings and finding food. 

In this article, I’ll delve more into Farlowella catfish, including their anatomy and appearance, size, shape, and coloration. Keep reading to learn more. 

Farlowella Catfish Anatomy and Appearance

The Farlowella catfish (Sturisoma panamense) is a unique and visually striking species that is sure to add interest to any aquarium. But beyond their striking appearance, these fish have several interesting features contributing to their anatomy and behavior.

Size and Shape of the Body

The Farlowella catfish is a medium-sized species that typically reaches a maximum length of 8 inches (20.3 cm) and a width of about 1 inch (2.54 cm). Its slender, elongated body shape gives it a unique appearance, earning it the nickname “twig fish.” 

As a medium-sized species, the Farlowella catfish is a practical and manageable pet fish for aquarium enthusiasts. 

The Farlowella catfish’s thin, slender shape is a major camouflage tool, allowing it to easily blend in with surrounding plants and deter predators. Its elongated body can be mistaken for a stick, making it difficult for predators to locate and distinguish it from its surroundings.  

Coloration and Patterning

The Farlowella catfish is generally light brown to brown in color, with two dark stripes running down either side of its body from the rostrum to the tail. These stripes tend to fade in intensity towards the tail. 

The absence of many shades and hues in the Farlowella catfish’s coloration is crucial to its camouflage. However, upon closer examination, you can discern finer intricate color patterns on the fish’s body.

Physical Characteristics 

The Farlowella catfish has a prominent rostrum and a pair of eyes behind it. Its head is the widest part of its body, tapering down consistently towards the tail. 

This species also has an elongated nose, although it’s not as pronounced as the long, needle-like nose of the long-nose Farlowella catfish. 

Fin Structure

The Farlowella catfish has relatively small fins compared to other catfish species. Its pectoral and anal fins are thin and transparent and stick out from the body when the fish is lying on a flat surface, resembling the wings of a dragonfly. 

The anal fins of the Farlowella catfish are lyre-shaped, with the top and bottom parts separating into distinct points. This body shape and fin configuration give the Farlowella catfish a whip-like structure, resembling a living whisk.

Distinctive Physical Features

One key feature that sets the Farlowella catfish apart is its sub-terminal downturned mouth. Located towards the end of its face, this downturned mouth allows the fish to feed on items beneath it, such as algae and insect larvae in mud.  

The positioning of the mouth towards the front of the head also enables the Farlowella catfish to feed on items located ahead of it. 

Although the mouth is small in comparison to the size of the body, limiting its ability to consume items larger than itself, it’s elongated, allowing the fish to easily capture and filter food from the water. 

The body of the Farlowella catfish is covered in small, rough scales, giving it a rough texture to the touch. 

Differences Between Male and Female Farlowella Catfish 

Distinguishing male and female Farlowella catfish should not be difficult as males tend to be larger in length and width, with a broader snout. 

As they prepare to mate, male Farlowella catfish may also grow a dental beard consisting of tiny teeth, which they use to bite and attach to the female during mating. These small teeth help the male hold onto the female while they reproduce.

Variations in Appearance Among Different Species or Subspecies

Farlowella is actually a group of fish rather than a single species. It’s one of the genera in the loricariidae family, which includes the twig catfish. 

While there are more than 36 species of Farlowella catfish, only two (Farlowella acus and Farlowella vittata) can be found in aquariums. Among these two species, F. vittata is more commonly kept in aquariums, as F. acus is endangered. 

There are only minor variations between the different species of Farlowella catfish, with body size, body shape, mouth shape and size, and color being the main distinguishing features.

Farlowella Catfish Origins and Natural Habitat

The Farlowella genus is native to the tropical freshwater river basins of central and South America, with a wide distribution across the Amazon Basin. 

These fish can be found naturally in the slope rivers of: 

• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Panama

In addition, large populations have been identified in the following areas: 

• Amazon
• Parana
• Orinoco Rivers

Overall, the Farlowella catfish has a strong presence in the Amazon Basin.

The Amazon Basin is home to many slow-flowing rivers that provide ideal conditions for the Farlowella catfish. 

These rivers are characterized by the following:

• Cool temperatures
• Solid soil substrates
• Well-oxygenated water
• An abundance of vegetation 

These factors contribute to the Farlowella catfish’s natural habitat in the Amazon Basin.

The slow-moving sections of rivers in the Amazon Basin are characterized by a rich vegetation cover, providing the Farlowella catfish with shelter. These fish primarily inhabit the canopy-dense, dimly lit parts of the river, which are more favorable for hunting.

Farlowella Catfish Behavior and Personality 

The Farlowella catfish is a shy and docile species, tending to stay in one place for extended periods. 

These fish are typically found at the bottom of the tank and generally do not bother their tank mates. They can be easily intimidated by larger fish, so they tend to avoid competition for food with other species. 

It’s therefore recommended to keep small groups of 3-5 Farlowella catfish, with females predominating in number. 

Because of their timid and passive nature, the Farlowella catfish can be easily startled or harassed by even smaller, more active fish. 

These fish are most active when scavenging for food on the tank floor. Afterward, they will typically retreat to the vegetation to camouflage. Any disturbance to their leisurely routine can cause stress to the Farlowella catfish. 

While they are generally nocturnal, they may become livelier during the day if placed in a more attractive tank with various substrates, vegetation, and wood.

Male Farlowella catfish may exhibit slight territoriality during spawning, chasing, and pushing other fish to ward off threats. However, these actions are meant to keep competitors away and will not harm anyone.

Farlowella Catfish Tank Setup

I recommend a tank size of 30-50 gallons (113.56-189.29 liters) to keep Farlowella catfish. While some owners may be successful with smaller tanks, many Farlowella catfish do not thrive in these confined spaces. 

It can also be challenging to maintain the specific water parameters ideal for these fish in smaller tanks.

Maintaining the proper water conditions is one of the most critical aspects of caring for Farlowella catfish. These fish are very sensitive to changes in water conditions. 

They can be easily damaged by:

• Subpar water quality
• Temperature
• Hardness
• pH levels

It’s important to monitor your water conditions and ensure they remain consistent. The following parameter ratings are recommended for the Farlowella catfish:

• Water temperature: 73 °F – 79 °F (23 °C – 27 °C)
• pH levels: 6.5 to 7.5
• Water hardness: Soft to hard

Maintaining these parameters as closely as possible is important to keep your Farlowella catfish healthy and vibrant. To accurately measure and adjust your water conditions, it’s necessary to have a reliable testing kit. 

Regular testing is essential to ensure that your Farlowella catfish live in optimal conditions. Be sure to test your water frequently and make any necessary adjustments.

Setting up a tank for Farlowella catfish is relatively straightforward. To create an environment that mimics their natural habitat, follow the following steps: 

1. Start by adding a dark and soft substrate to the bottom of the tank. This will allow the fish to explore without risking injury from sharp or rough surfaces. As these fish prefer darker, dimly lit areas for camouflage and minimal disturbance, a darker substrate is ideal. 
2. To provide your Farlowella catfish with a nesting and nibbling area, incorporate some bits of wood into the tank. Wood also serves as a hiding place where the fish can retreat and spend time alone. A combination of spider wood, tigerwood, and cholla driftwood is recommended. Be generous with the amount of wood you add, but avoid overcrowding the tank, as this can limit the fish’s ability to swim freely.
3. Finally, include some plants in the tank to make the environment more appealing to the fish. Hornwort and water wisteria are good options. These plants will add charm and beauty to the tank, creating a more enjoyable living space for your Farlowella catfish.

Farlowella Catfish Diet and Feeding

As an omnivore and algivore, the Farlowella catfish feeds on various foods in its natural habitat, including the following: 

• Algae
• Vegetation
• Occasionally meaty items such as insect larvae 

These foods are typically found on objects in the tank. While they can be somewhat lazy, Farlowella catfish are excellent scavengers and help keep your tank clean by consuming any algae that grow inside. 

Overall, their diet consists of a mix of plant and animal matter.

It may surprise you to observe these fish munching on small pieces of wood. Still, this behavior is common among fish and shouldn’t cause concern. It’s important to note that the Farlowella catfish does not primarily rely on wood as a food source. 

To properly care for Farlowella catfish in captivity, it’s recommended to provide a diet consisting of a blend of vegetables and plant-based commercial pellets. These fish are not picky eaters and have many food options available. 

However, it’s important to maintain consistency in their feeding schedule and stick to the same types of food to promote a stable environment in the tank.

Farlowella Catfish Tank Mates

Due to their timid and peaceful nature, it’s important to carefully consider tank mates for Farlowella catfish. Picking highly aggressive or territorial fish as companions could harm their health and well-being. They may become stressed by aggressive behavior and competition for resources in the tank.

When choosing tank mates for Farlowella catfish, it’s important to consider the temperament and activity level of the other fish. Look for peaceful, non-aggressive species that are similar in size and not too active, as smaller fish constantly on the move may cause stress for the Farlowella catfish.

Here are some possible twig catfish tank mates:

• Invertebrates, including shrimps and snails
• Green neon tetras
• Cory catfish
• Longnose Farlowella catfish
• Rummy nose tetras

Be careful with other pairings. Do adequate research to establish the temperament of the fish you want to introduce to your Farlowella tank. 

Farlowella Catfish Breeding

The breeding process for Farlowella catfish is relatively straightforward. It can be an enjoyable experience for those interested in watching the growth and development of their fish.

To facilitate breeding, it’s vital to ensure that the tank is properly set up and the water parameters are optimal. If the environment is not suitable, the fish may not attempt to breed due to concerns over the survival of their offspring. 

With the right setup, however, you can sit back and observe as the breeding process unfolds.

It’s important to consider the ratio of males to females when attempting to breed Farlowella catfish. A good ratio to aim for is four females for every two males, which can help reduce aggression and increase the likelihood of successful breeding. 

Remember that mating often occurs at night, so you may not witness the event directly.

It’s interesting to note that Farlowella catfish often lay their eggs on the tank’s surface when breeding in captivity. The male often guards the eggs and may exhibit more aggressive and active behavior to protect them. 

When you wake up in the morning, you may find small Farlowella eggs attached to the tank’s surface, with the male hovering nearby to ensure their safety and cleanliness.

After laying eggs, the female Farlowella catfish will typically return to normal behavior. The eggs will hatch within 5-8 days, and tiny fingerlings will start swimming around. 

However, raising the fry can be challenging, as they are not as resilient as their parents and require optimal care to survive. It’s important to ensure that the tank has a sufficient supply of food and that the water quality is consistently excellent, as any mistakes or lapses in care can be detrimental to the health of the fry.

Keep a close eye on the water parameters and do your best to maintain optimal conditions for the developing fish.  

Farlowella Catfish Health Concerns

Farlowella catfish are known for their relatively high resistance to common diseases, such as:

• Columnaris
• Velvet
• Fin rot

This may be partly due to their scaly bodies, which act as a physical barrier and contain enzymes that can neutralize pathogens. 

However, it’s still important to pay attention to water quality and diet, as poisoning can be fatal to fish of any species. While Farlowella catfish may be more resistant to some diseases than other fish, it’s still essential to maintain proper care to promote their overall health and well-being.

How Do You Know That a Farlowella Catfish Is Unhealthy?

There are several signs that indicate a Farlowella catfish may be in poor health, including the following: 

• Tattered fins or tail
• Skin sores
• Fuzzy skin spots
• Clamped fins
• Increased gill movements

These symptoms may be accompanied by the following: 

• Decreased activity levels
• Loss of appetite
• Death

If you suspect one of your Farlowella catfish is sick, it’s crucial to isolate the fish and treat it with antibiotics, either through the water or by using antibiotic-medicated food. 

Farlowella Catfish FAQs 

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Farlowella catfish are a unique and interesting addition to any freshwater aquarium. With their distinctive appearance and peaceful behavior, they make a great choice for aquarists of all experience levels. These fascinating fish are a rewarding choice for aquarists looking for something a little different in their tank.