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FishintermediateFreshwater

Twig Catfish

Farlowella acus

AnimaliaChordataActinopterygiiLoricariidae

Variety of Farlowella Catfish · twig catfish

📍 Venezuela & Colombia, South America

Ask Finn

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.

Size6"
Min Tank30g
peaceful
Zonebottom

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.

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, scratching against surfaces, lethargy, rapid breathing

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-29°C, perform frequent water changes, use aquarium salt or ich medication; maintain excellent water quality

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Perform large water changes immediately, improve water quality and aeration, use antibacterial medication if severe; address underlying water quality issues

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Sores or lesions on body, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, behavioral changes

Treatment

Isolate if possible, perform frequent water changes, use broad-spectrum antibacterial medication; ensure pristine water conditions

Starvation/Malnutrition

Symptoms

Visible weight loss, lethargy, inability to maintain position, pale coloration

Treatment

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)

Stats

Community tips0
Kept by0 hobbyists