Royal Whiptail

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Present in Central America (Panama) and Northwestern South America (Colombia, Magdalena River basin). Prefers fast-flowing rivers and foothill streams, clinging to stones and polished branches in areas of turbulence.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Panamanian Royal Farlowella (Sturisomatichthys panamense). Astounding morphology, identical to a "dry twig". Extremely pointed snout with evident rostrum, soaring dorsal fin similar to a sail, long caudal filaments.

Social Behavior: Defenseless and totally peaceful fish. Unlike the usual "cleaners", Royal Farlowellas love to station on the aquarium glass, or in a perfectly vertical position hugging the filter or a soaring piece of wood.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Golden/beige background color crossed by two dark brown lateral stripes that unify the camouflage appearance. Adult males mature the famous hirsute bristles (odontodes) on the sides of the entire snout (the so-called "sideburns").

Aquarium Setup: A 100-120 cm (40-48 inches) tank. Strongly moved water. Long and smooth vertical woods and large Echinodorus leaves must be provided to allow them to rest in an upright position.

Diet and Feeding: Despite its "algae-eater" appearance, its diet is largely Omnivorous. Sustaining them only on algae equals malnutrition. Administer green bottom tablets and spirulina alternated with bloodworms, daphnia and brine shrimp.

Water Quality: Extremely sensitive to bacterial blooms (cloudy water). Requires rigorous mechanical filtration, well-oxygenated water and very frequent changes. The water must not be excessively hot (optimal range 22-26°C / 72-79°F).

Compatibility and Tankmates: Unable to compete with large or violent benthic fish (Loaches, Crossocheilus, large Plecos). Golden match with quiet Corydoras (C. aeneus, C. sterbai), Discus or thick schools of small Tetras (Neons, Rummy-nose).

Aquarium Reproduction: The male vigorously cleans the aquarium glass and pushes the female to lay 40-60 eggs on it in a vertical row. Then he stands vertically and guards, ventilating for 6 days. Brine shrimp nauplii and blended algae for the fry.

Risks and Diseases: Fry suffer a frightening 90% mortality in the first week if they cannot find adequate microfood. Adults at risk of starvation in turbulent or overcrowded aquariums.