The Royal Farlowella, scientifically known as Sturisoma panamense, is a species of freshwater catfish belonging to the family Loricariidae. It is also commonly referred to as the Royal Whiptail Catfish or Panama Sturisoma. The Royal Farlowella is native to South America and is often found in slow-moving rivers and streams with rocky substrates.
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Appearance: The Royal Farlowella is characterized by its unique and elongated body shape. It has a flattened body with an extended snout that resembles a stick or twig, which serves as camouflage in its natural habitat. The body coloration is typically light brown to gray, aiding in its mimicry of submerged vegetation or wood.
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Size: Adult Royal Farlowellas can grow to around 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) in length, making them relatively large catfish compared to other aquarium species.
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Behavior: These catfish are generally peaceful and well-suited for community aquariums with non-aggressive tankmates. They are mostly active during the nighttime, preferring to rest and hide during the day. Due to their elongated shape and specialized mouth structure, they are well-adapted for grazing on biofilm, algae, and soft plant matter on submerged surfaces.
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Tank Requirements: Royal Farlowellas require a well-maintained aquarium with appropriate hiding spots such as caves, rocks, and driftwood. The tank should have a sandy or fine substrate to prevent damage to their sensitive ventral fins. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH and water temperature between 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 26°C).
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Diet: Their diet mainly consists of algae, biofilm, and small plant matter. In an aquarium setting, they might consume algae wafers, blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach, and high-quality sinking pellets.
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Breeding: Breeding Royal Farlowellas in captivity can be challenging. They are egg-layers, and the females typically attach adhesive eggs to submerged surfaces. Providing proper hiding places and suitable water conditions might encourage breeding behaviors.
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Compatibility: Royal Farlowellas are generally peaceful fish that can coexist with other community fish that share their water parameter preferences. However, it's important to avoid aggressive or fin-nipping tankmates.
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Aquarium Size: Due to their eventual size and space requirements, Royal Farlowellas are best suited for larger aquariums, ideally those with a capacity of 50 gallons or more.
