Rineloricaria sp.

Alternative Names

 * Red Whiptail Catfish, Red Lizard Catfish, L010a

Sexing

 * Males are slender, have whiskers and grow short spines in the top of their heads and pectoral fins.

Tank Compatibility

 * One of the most peaceful catfish around, these can be combined with many other species. In a natural setup good tankmates include small Characins, Apistogramma, Corydoras and other quiet Loricariids, but it can be kept in most communities of peaceful fish. Don't keep it with anything too vigorous or aggressive as it will become very retiring and will easily be out-competed for food. It's not territorial unless spawning, and is best kept in a small group. Bear in mind it does not do well at higher temperatures when selecting tankmates.

Diet

 * Omnivorous and will accept both sinking dried foods, vegetable matter including blanched spinach, courgette, kale etc., and live and frozen stuff such as bloodworm or daphnia. As with most rineloricaria, it is primarily a sand-sifting invertebrate feeder, thus, high protein, low fat foods are recommended.

Feeding Regime

 * Feed at night

Environment Specifics

 * Very sensitive to changing water conditions. The fish should be provided with half-pipe type refuges which also often be used as spawning sites.

Behaviour

 * Peaceful bottom feeder

Breeding

 * Spawns readily in provided tubes, caves, or like minded contraptions. Due to breeding nonspecificity, just about any open ended tube can be used. As with many loricariines, fry development can be problematic, as they are sensitive to water quality and can be difficult to wean

Identification

 * An elongated Catfish with orange/reddish coloration that has a flattened body and is covered by several rows of bony plates. Its mouth is shaped like a suction cup and is located on the underside of its head.