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Photo courtesy of Aquascape fish imports

One of the oddest looking fish we see available today the Farlowella tries to mimic its surroundings by blending in with the twigs and plants it rests on. There are many different species of Farlowella and identification can be difficult. This species can be hard to keep and should not be kept by new hobbyist

Quick stats: Listed tank sizes are the minimum Size: up to 7" (17cm) Tank: 30 inches + Strata: Varies PH: 7.5-85 Hardness: Soft to hard Temperature: 70 - 77°F (24 – 26°C) Classification: Order: Siluriformes Family: Loricariidae Genera: Farlowella

Typical Habitat

 

Common name: Farlowella, Twig catfish Image gallery: Additional species photographs Discuss: Badmans' Forum

Distribution

Amazon basin, Venezuela

Very elongate and slender. The Most distinguishing feature is the fishes nose. It is long and shaped somewhat like a needle.

This fish is not surprisingly colorful. It relies on camouflage for protection so it will not advertise itself. The basic colors are molted shades of brown. If you look real close you can see elaborate patterns on their body.

Although a very interesting fish, they are not the easiest to keep. The tank set up should include long roots and plants that are placed horizontally. The roots are needed as they rasp the wood and it helps in their digestion. The tank should also have some slight water circulation. Often called an algae eater the Farlowellas do well if feed peas, lettuce and spinach they also will eat other types of food, including live , flake and frozen. They are always grazing and a constant food supply is a necessity. They are very timid in nature and starvation due to food competition is common, try feeding at reduced light levels and not only during the day. If you can meet their food needs they are an ideal community fish that gets along with all other species. It is best to keep only one pair as the males are territorial and will not allow rival males the chance to eat.

Shallow water areas that contain a lot of driftwood or plants. Usually found near the shore

Breeding:

The females are slightly more robust than the males and the males nose is thicker and is said to have whiskers. Spawning occurs at night or in the very early morning. Around 40 - 60 eggs are produced. The eggs will hatch in about a week and the yolk sac absorbed five days later. The fry now will have to be fed baby brine shrimp, fine vegetable matter or sinking pellets. The male guards the eggs until the fry are free swimming. The breeding aquarium should have dim lighting, a slight water current, very mature water and a neutral pH.

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From: kim Date:02/04/2007 I have a male and female f.catfish. I got them at wall mart about one year ago and they thrive in my 55 gal fish tank with algae and algae wafers. I have such an easy time with them. I never had one problem. I do 90 percent water changes with them and they are fine. I keep them with mollies, guppies, plecos of all kinds,bettas ghost shrimp,rapheals,and more and sometimes fresh water puffers and never had one problem. I classify them as hardy. From: Vicki Date:01/17/2007 I have one of these and its fine I feed it normal tropical fish flake food and its quite happy as it has bogwood and live plats that it likes to hide on. From: Pat Date:09/09/2006 I've had 2 farlowella's for about 5 months now in a 20g with guppies and a pair of peppered corys. They like to hide on the intake for the filter and in the corners or on a plastic plant and seem to be doing fine. They slowly make there way to the bottom when some algae pellets are dropped in and gradually bounce sideways to them to eat. They seem very aware of what's around them. From: Rachel Date:08/27/2003 I am relatively new at this hobby. I purchased a Farlowella about a month ago because I thought he was very interesting looking. So far, he's doing excellent in my 30 gal community tank. He eats well on algae, shrimp pellets and blood worms. I have the Ph at about 7.8 with moderate water hardness and the temp at 78-80. He seems to be thriving and is a great addition to our "family". From: Bill D. Date:05/15/2003 We are 're'newed with the hobby after 25 years and have a 7" Farowella. I feed him Zucchini and he seems to be doing well. I named him Walter. I rubberband the zucchini to a small piece of petrified rock and sink it to the bottom. It seems the longer and flatter the surface, the easier it is for Walter to lie flat and eat. The darn snails like Zucchini too. The tank is 58 gal,6.5ph for Discus and is well planted. From: Paul Date:02/10/2002 I purchased a farlowella recently, and put it in a separate tank to reduce competition. Also I took the advice of the shop owner and fed it zucchini. It's colors brightened up, it looks like it putting on a little weight, it looks happy. I will see if any other fish eat the zucchini, then introduce it to my large tank. From: Mike Date:11/27/2001 The profile is all to true. I find that Farlowella acus loves to spend tie rasping on wood and will eat hair algae. The one thing I don't agree with is the pH. I find that they prefer a pH of about 6.5-7.0. I f you have just gotten into the hobby for the first time DON'T BUY a Twig Catfish. Go with something hardier like a Trinidad plecostomus. PS Don't buy fish from Wal-Mart. They die in a day or two.

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