Rineloricaria parva

Whiptail Catfish

Distribution

 

Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.

Habitat

 

 

It’s almost always found living amongst leaf litter over sandy substrates, in both clear and whitewater habitats (whitewater meaning water containing a lot of dissolved sediment, as opposed to rapids).

Maximum Standard Length

 

4.4″ (11cm).

Aquarium SizeTOP ↑

 

Largely inactive and a small group can can be kept in a tank of around 30″ x 12″ x 12″ (75cm x 30cm x 30cm) – 67.5 litres in size

Maintenance

 

A biotope setup can consist, very simply, of a layer of sand over which is scattered a layer of dried leaves (oak and beech are non-toxic and work particularly well). Some twisted branches (again, beech is good) and the occasional rounded stone can be used for effect. Provide some rock or wood caves, or lengths of pvc piping to act as potential spawning sites. It’s equally at home in a well-planted tank, although in either situation it won’t appreciate very bright lighting.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 68-77°F (20-25°C)

pH: 6.0-7.5

Hardness: 2-15°H