L191 Royal Farlowella

Sturisoma aureum

📍 South America

The L191 Royal Farlowella is a slender, elegant wood catfish native to South American rivers, prized for its striking appearance and algae-eating capabilities. This species features a long, whip-like tail and a streamlined body that allows it to navigate through dense vegetation and driftwood. They are peaceful, nocturnal fish that make excellent additions to planted and community aquariums.

Size5.5"

Min Tank40g

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Royal Farlowellas are primarily herbivorous and feed on algae, biofilm, and plant matter. Supplement their diet with high-quality algae wafers, blanched zucchini, spinach, and cucumber several times weekly. They are nocturnal feeders, so provide food in the evening or at night for best results.

Behavior

These catfish are nocturnal and spend most of the day resting on driftwood or plants, becoming more active during evening hours. They are peaceful bottom-dwellers that rarely interact with other fish, preferring to graze on algae and biofilm. They are solitary by nature but can coexist peacefully with other non-aggressive species.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely documented in home aquariums. They require very specific water conditions, mature driftwood for spawning sites, and pristine water quality. Success requires patience, ideal parameters, and often a dedicated breeding setup.

Tank Mates

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy different water zones

excellent

Otocinclus

Similar peaceful algae-eating habits and compatible water requirements

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrates that share algae-grazing behavior

good

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful mid-water dweller that won't compete for bottom space

good

Corydoras Sterbai

Peaceful bottom-dweller with compatible water parameters

good

Harlequin Rasbora

Peaceful schooling fish that occupy middle water column

excellent

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, scratching against surfaces, labored breathing

Treatment

Increase temperature gradually to 28-30 C (82-86 F), use ich medication, perform frequent water changes, ensure excellent water quality

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove decaying matter, use antibacterial medication if severe, ensure pristine tank conditions

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, erratic behavior

Treatment

Perform large water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, isolate affected fish if possible, maintain optimal water parameters

Malnutrition

Symptoms

Weight loss, pale coloration, reduced activity, stunted growth

Treatment

Provide varied diet of quality algae wafers, vegetables, and biofilm-rich surfaces, ensure adequate feeding frequency, supplement with spirulina-based foods