Red Whiptail Catfish – L010A

Red Whiptail Catfish L010A (Rineloricaria Sp.)

The Red Whiptail Catfish is a unique and fascinating species that brings a touch of the exotic to your aquarium. This fish is known for its elongated body, which reaches a maximum standard length of about 4 to 4.5 inches. Its body is covered in a vibrant red color, giving it a distinctive and attractive appearance.

Red Whiptail Catfish are also known as Red Lizard Whiptail Catfish, Red Lizard Catfish, L010A/L10A.

The Red Whiptail Catfish is a peaceful species, making it a good choice for a community aquarium.  It's best to keep them in small groups of 4 or 5. They are only territorial during the spawning season. A Red Whiptail Catfish's ideal tank mates include peaceful middle and upper-level species, such as Hatchetfish, Rummy Nose Tetras, Pearl Danios, Pencilfish, Rasboras, Discus, and Angelfish. However, it's best to avoid housing them with overly aggressive or vigorous fish as the Red Whiptail Catfish can become very retiring and will easily be outcompeted for food.

In terms of diet, the Red Whiptail Catfish is omnivorous and will accept both sinking catfish pellets, algae wafers, live or frozen foods such as bloodworm or daphnia, plus blanched vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, and kale. They tend to be more active during the night, so offering them food in the evening is recommended.

The ideal tank habitat for the Red Whiptail Catfish should mimic a gently moving riverbed. A soft, sandy substrate is best, and the tank should be furnished with various pieces of smooth rock, wood or slate caves, or terracotta piping to provide a network of hiding spots. It's equally at home in a well-planted tank, although it won't appreciate very bright lighting.

The minimum aquarium size for this species is around 30 gallons in size. The water parameters for the Red Whiptail Catfish include a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, hardness within the soft to medium range of 2-15 dGH, and a temperature range of 75-84°F (24-29°C). The Red Whiptail Catfish are sensitive to water quality, so regular water changes and good filtration are essential to keep them healthy.