Red Lizard Catfish (L010a)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Aquarium culture (Captive bred selection). It is believed to derive from the hybridization or genetic fixation of species originating from the Araguaia-Tocantins basin, a habitat with sandy rivers and clear waters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Red Lizard Whiptail / Leliella sp. "Red". Whip-tail Loricariid. Has an elongated snout without the long rostrums typical of Farlowella, cylindrical body covered with bony plates that tapers like a whip.

Social Behavior: Peculiar laziness. Spends the entirety of its time perfectly still, anchored camouflaged on a branch or on the aquarium glass. Totally peaceful; in a group they tolerate each other lying stacked one on top of the other.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The coloration is the "selling-point": a uniform dark brick red or terracotta. Mature males (more slender) are identified by the development of dense hirsute hairs (odontodes) similar to a "beard" along the cheeks and upper lip.

Aquarium Setup: 80+ cm (32+ inches) tank. Fine sand necessary (they bury themselves in case of danger). Many long and smooth cylindrical woods arranged vertically/obliquely are their natural "tracks". Mature biological filtration without impetuous currents.

Diet and Feeding: Surface omnivore. While picking at tender algae and biofilms, it is carnivorous by nature. Disdains dry flakes: must be fed with protein gels spread on the woods, live worms or tubifex, sinking pastes. Cannot withstand competition with voracious fish.

Water Quality: Tolerates wide ranges being of domestic line, however demands purity. A high organic level causes bacteriosis to the fragile caudal plates. Keep temperatures warm (26°C / 79°F is ideal).

Compatibility and Tankmates: Ideal companions: Dwarf Tetras (Neon, Ember), Rasboras, and Corydoras. Ban fast bottom fish like Loaches (will stress them to death by stealing food) and large Cichlids that could mistake them for earthworms.

Aquarium Reproduction: Simple if fed live food. The male (Cave-spawner) cleans the inside of a narrow PVC pipe or bamboo cane, where the female lays large amber eggs. The male takes care of the offspring ignoring females until the fry swim.

Risks and Diseases: Caudal bone fragility. Grabbing it badly with the net or causing it a crushing shock will fracture its very slender tail (which has no regenerative capacity like in newts), condemning it to paralysis.