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Twig Catfish
Farlowella acus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Loricariidae
Variety of Farlowella Catfish · twig catfish
📍 Venezuela & Colombia, South America
An elongated, stick-like catfish that looks exactly like a twig resting on driftwood. A dedicated algae grazer that requires pristine water conditions and a mature tank. Fascinating to observe as it clings motionless to surfaces.
Care Guide
Diet
Twig Catfish are primarily algae and biofilm grazers that spend most of their time scraping surfaces. Supplement their natural grazing with high-quality algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and occasional frozen foods like bloodworms. Feed small amounts daily, as they are continuous grazers rather than bulk feeders.
Behavior
These catfish are nocturnal and highly sedentary, remaining motionless during the day as camouflage. They are peaceful and solitary, preferring to graze undisturbed along the substrate and wood surfaces. They are not aggressive but are sensitive to disturbance and require stable, calm tank conditions.
Breeding
Breeding Twig Catfish in captivity is extremely rare and poorly documented. They require pristine water conditions, driftwood for spawning, and likely specific environmental triggers that are difficult to replicate. Most specimens in the hobby are wild-caught, making captive breeding impractical for most aquarists.
Tank Mates
Similar algae-grazing habits and peaceful temperament; compatible water parameters
Small, peaceful fish that occupy mid-water column; minimal competition for resources
Peaceful schooling fish with similar water requirements; non-aggressive
Excellent algae control partner; peaceful and compatible with pristine water needs
Peaceful dwarf cichlid that occupies different zones; compatible temperature and pH range
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, scratching against surfaces, lethargy, rapid breathing
Raise temperature gradually to 28-29°C, perform frequent water changes, use aquarium salt or ich medication; maintain excellent water quality
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Perform large water changes immediately, improve water quality and aeration, use antibacterial medication if severe; address underlying water quality issues
Bacterial Infection
Sores or lesions on body, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, behavioral changes
Isolate if possible, perform frequent water changes, use broad-spectrum antibacterial medication; ensure pristine water conditions
Starvation/Malnutrition
Visible weight loss, lethargy, inability to maintain position, pale coloration
Increase feeding frequency with algae wafers and vegetables, ensure adequate biofilm growth, supplement with quality foods; verify tank has sufficient algae growth
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Herbivore – algae, blanched zucchini, spirulina wafers
- lifespan
- 5–10 years
- max size
- 15 cm (6 in)
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <10 ppm
- hardness
- 2–12 dGH
- temperature
- 75–81°F (24–27°C)