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A very graceful looking algae eating catfish, native to Panama. Sturisoma males can be determined by the presence of bristles along the sides of the head. Best kept in a planted aquarium with other peaceful species. Also known as the Royal Whiptail.
Catfish (order Siluriformes) are a diverse group of fish. Named for their prominent barbels, which give the image of cat-like whiskers, they are found primarily in freshwater environments of all kinds, with species on every continent except Antarctica.
Catfish have no scales. All catfish, except members of Malapteruridae (electric catfish), possess a strong, hollow, bonified leading ray on their dorsal and pectoral fins, through which a stinging protein can be delivered if the fish is irritated.
Catfish are often described as being nocturnal creatures; in other words they are most active at nighttime. In general terms catfish prefer to dwell at the bottom of an aquarium (or at the bottom of rivers, lakes, streams and creeks etc in their natural environments). There are of course exceptions to this general rule, as some species of catfish occupy the mid to surface water areas of an aquarium, such as the Glass Catfishes and the Upside-down Catfish.
Providing hiding places for them is of utmost importance. With careful planning of your aquarium layout you can not only provide your catfish with hiding places, but you will actually have the benefit of seeing them as well. Suitable materials to use for hiding places include wood, rocks, slate, clean plastic pipe and aquatic plants.
Catfish generally are excellent tankmates for a wide variety of other species of fish.
Catfish (order Siluriformes) are a diverse group of fish. Named for their prominent barbels, which give the image of cat-like whiskers, they are found primarily in freshwater environments of all kinds, with species on every continent except Antarctica.
Catfish have no scales. All catfish, except members of Malapteruridae (electric catfish), possess a strong, hollow, bonified leading ray on their dorsal and pectoral fins, through which a stinging protein can be delivered if the fish is irritated.
Catfish are often described as being nocturnal creatures; in other words they are most active at nighttime. In general terms catfish prefer to dwell at the bottom of an aquarium (or at the bottom of rivers, lakes, streams and creeks etc in their natural environments). There are of course exceptions to this general rule, as some species of catfish occupy the mid to surface water areas of an aquarium, such as the Glass Catfishes and the Upside-down Catfish.
Providing hiding places for them is of utmost importance. With careful planning of your aquarium layout you can not only provide your catfish with hiding places, but you will actually have the benefit of seeing them as well. Suitable materials to use for hiding places include wood, rocks, slate, clean plastic pipe and aquatic plants.
Catfish generally are excellent tankmates for a wide variety of other species of fish.
| Size | 5 |
Customer Reviews
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Great little fish Review by Raymo
Customer Rating I recently bought two of these guys, great little fish to watch, they just glide over the leaves and drift wood. Great cleaners too, very happy with my fish from live fish. (Posted on 24/02/12)
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Same same but Different Review by Eugene
Customer Rating 3 stars because the picture can be misleading (otherwise 5 stars for the fish itself). I initially chose this Royal Whiptail because of the cool blueish body and defined black pigments as per the picture but the actual fish is different.
The whiptail received was light-mud-brown with darker brown pigments (instead of navy blue with black pigments like the picture). Prospective buyers should google or bing "Sturisoma panamense" and have a good look at some of the pictures to align your expectation with the Royal Whiptail.
Nevertheless, it's kind of small and likes to hide. I went and bought a large 12cm Royal Whiptail from a local aquarium (VIC) and they look identical.
The R.Whiptail is very graceful and likes to hide. when it does swim around, it very gracefully "glides" across the tank almost like a fishcraft! (fish-aircraft)
Pretty cool catfish to have around. very peaceful and hangs around the bottom of the tank (usually hiding in driftwood etc).
One cute thing about the whiptail is that it likes large leaves of a planted aquarium. It sits on a leaf and dangles on it like a swing. nice!
(Posted on 13/05/11)
