Description
Royal Whiptail Catfish (Sturisoma panamense)
Overview
Sturisoma panamense, commonly known as the Royal Whiptail Catfish, Royal Farlowella, or Panama Sturgeon, is a peaceful, herbivorous freshwater fish from the Loricariidae family. Native to fast-flowing, oxygen-rich rivers of Central and South America, including Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador (e.g., Magdalena River basin), it features a slender, twig-like body, large fins, and a long, filamented tail, growing to 7–10 inches (18–25 cm). Its brown body with lighter mottling and sturgeon-like appearance makes it a striking addition to planted or community aquariums. Hardy yet elegant, it suits intermediate aquarists who can provide stable water conditions and ample grazing surfaces.
Care Requirements
Tank Size
- Minimum: 130 liters for 1–2 fish; 200–300 liters recommended for a small group (3–5) to support their size and grazing needs.
- Longer tanks (e.g., 48×12 inches / 120×30 cm) provide ample space for grazing and movement.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 22°C–28°C, ideally 23°C–25°C. Avoid prolonged exposure above 27°F.
- pH: 6.5–7.5, slightly acidic to neutral.
- Hardness: 5–20 dGH, soft to moderately hard.
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm;
- Nitrate: Keep below 30 ppm, as they are sensitive to poor water quality.
- Use a water conditioner to neutralize chlorine and heavy metals.
Tank Setup
- Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel to protect delicate barbels and fins; sand mimics their natural riverbed habitat.
- Plants: Live plants (e.g., Java fern, Anubias, Amazon swords) or floating plants (e.g., water sprite) provide cover and promote biofilm growth. Plant-safe but may nibble soft-leaved plants.
- Decor: Driftwood, bogwood, and smooth rocks are essential for grazing biofilm and resting. Create caves or overhangs for hiding.
- Filtration: High-flow canister or power filter (4–6 times tank volume per hour) to replicate fast-flowing rivers and ensure high oxygenation. Add an airstone if flow is insufficient.
- Lighting: Moderate to high to encourage algae growth for grazing, but adapt to plant needs. Avoid excessive light to prevent algae overgrowth in new setups.
Maintenance
- Water Changes: 25%–30% weekly for 35–55 gallon tanks; 30%–50% biweekly for larger tanks to maintain low nitrates and high oxygen levels.
- Testing: Monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and temperature weekly with a test kit.
- Cleaning: Lightly vacuum substrate during water changes; rinse filter media in tank water monthly to preserve bacteria. Leave some biofilm on decor for grazing.
- Algae Control: Allow green spot or hair algae for grazing, but manage excess with manual removal or reduced lighting.
- Plant/Decor Care: Trim plants and clean decor in tank water to maintain aesthetics while preserving biofilm.
Diet
- Natural Diet: Primarily herbivorous, grazing on algae, biofilm (aufwuchs), and plant matter; occasionally consumes small invertebrates.
- Aquarium Diet:
- Staple Foods: Sinking algae wafers, spirulina pellets, or vegetable-based flakes (e.g., Hikari Algae Wafers, NatureHolic Catfish Feed).
- Fresh Vegetables: Blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach, shelled peas, or romaine lettuce (daily or every other day).
- Live/Frozen Foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, or mosquito larvae sparingly (once weekly) for protein. Avoid overfeeding meaty foods to prevent digestive issues.
- Feeding Frequency: Small portions 1–2 times daily, ensuring food reaches the substrate. Supplement with algae grazing.
- Variety: Maintain a 70% vegetable/30% protein diet to support health and colouration.
Behaviour and Compatibility
Behaviour
- Social Structure: Semi-social; thrives in small groups of 3–5 with a higher female ratio (e.g., 1 male:2 females) to reduce stress and promote natural behaviour. Solitary fish may become shy.
- Activity: Primarily nocturnal but active during the day in established tanks with hiding spots. Spends time grazing on wood, rocks, or glass.
- Temperament: Peaceful and timid; avoids conflict but may be outcompeted for food by boisterous species.
Compatibility
- Ideal Tankmates: Peaceful, non-aggressive fish like tetras (e.g., Neon Tetra), rasboras, guppies, dwarf cichlids (e.g., Apistogramma), or other small catfish (e.g., Corydoras).
- Avoid: Aggressive or fast-moving fish (e.g., large barbs, cichlids) that compete for food or harass them. Avoid bottom-dwellers with similar grazing habits to prevent competition.
- Tank Setup: Provide ample hiding spots and grazing surfaces to reduce stress in community tanks.
- Sexual Dimorphism: Males have odontodes (bristle-like extensions) on cheeks and a longer first dorsal fin; females are rounder, especially when egg-laden.
Breeding Behaviour
Beeding Behaviour: Egg-layers; females lay eggs on smooth, vertical surfaces (e.g., glass, driftwood, rocks), and males guard them.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Either come in store to view available stock or request pictures to be sent to you.
Please Note: Due to variations within species resulting from age, region, sex, etc., the actual livestock may not look identical to the image. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimens.
