Moderate

Farlowella

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Farlowella vittata

Complete Farlowella care guide covering herbivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 30 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Moderate.

Farlowella

Quick Answer

Farlowella, also known as Twig Catfish, is a long, slender catfish from South America. It requires a minimum 30 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.0 - 7.5 and temperature range of 24-28°C. This herbivore occupies the bottom zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

Farlowella, also known as Twig Catfish, is a long, slender catfish from South America. Its camouflage makes it look like a piece of wood or twig.

Setup

A 30-gallon or larger tank with smooth driftwood, plants, and good water flow. They need mature aquariums with plenty of algae and biofilm. Stable water parameters are critical.

Feeding

Herbivorous; grazes on algae and biofilm. Supplement with algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber), and spirulina flakes.

Compatibility

Very peaceful and shy. Keep in small groups (3+). Tankmates must be peaceful and non-competitive: tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, small cichlids. Avoid aggressive or boisterous fish.

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Tank Position
Bottom
Water Temp
24-28°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.0 - 7.5

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Herbivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Leaf Fish Care Guide: Diet & Tank Mates semanticSimilarity Angelfish Care Guide: Tank Size & Diet | The Aquarium Calculators semanticSimilarity Badis Care Guide: Tank Size & Compatibility semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Farlowella Catfish should be kept together?
Maintain singly or in a group of 3 to 5 individuals in a tank of at least 30 gallons (113 liters) with a footprint of 36x12 inches (90x30 cm). Farlowella (Farlowella acus), also known as twig catfish, are peaceful and thrive in calm environments. Groups under 3 may exhibit minor squabbling over feeding spots. Provide at least 4 pieces of driftwood (vertical placement) and smooth rocks for grazing. Tank height should be moderate (12-18 inches/30-45 cm) as they stick to vertical surfaces. Avoid with aggressive cichlids or large plecos that compete for algae.
What are the exact water parameters for Farlowella Catfish?
Target pH 6.0 - 7.2, General Hardness 3 - 10 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 2 - 6 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 80 - 200 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 160 - 400 μS/cm, and temperature 75°F - 82°F (24°C - 28°C). They require low nitrates (<10 ppm), stable parameters, and real wood (mandatory) to graze on for digestive health. Maintain nitrates below 10 ppm with weekly 25% water changes. Use a sponge filter or gentle HOB; strong currents stress them. Add driftwood (at least 2 pieces per fish). Avoid copper-based medications.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Farlowella Catfish?
They are specialized herbivores requiring 80% vegetable matter, 20% protein. Feed premium algae wafers (Hikari), spirulina tablets, blanched zucchini, cucumber, and romaine lettuce daily. They graze on driftwood biofilm. Supplement with occasional frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp once weekly. Medication alert: Extremely sensitive to copper (0.1 mg/L lethal) and formalin. Scaleless; use malachite green at quarter dose (0.025 mg/L). Praziquantel is safe. Avoid salt (tolerance <2 ppt). Quarantine with metronidazole at half-strength. They are prone to starvation; ensure food is available at all times.
How to breed Farlowella Catfish in captivity?
Condition a group of 4-6 with algae wafers and blanched zucchini for 3 weeks. Simulate rainy season: Perform 40% water change with cool (72°F/22°C) soft RO water (pH 6.5, 2 dGH) over 2 hours, increase aeration. Provide vertical driftwood pieces or broad leaves. The male selects a vertical surface; female lays 50-200 eggs (arranged in rows). Male guards eggs for 7-10 days at 78°F (25.5°C). Eggs hatch; fry are 0.2 inches (5 mm) and accept algae wafers and blanched zucchini immediately. Remove male after fry leave. Grow-out requires abundant biofilm and frequent feeding.

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