Cowboy Whiptail Catfish

Lamontichthys llanero

Cowboy Whiptail Catfish is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish.

PeacefulBottom dwellerBeginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 20 cm (≤ 7.9 in)
Aquarium size: 108 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 24–28 °C
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 2–12 dGH
KH: 1–6 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 108 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 2–12 dGH, KH 1–6 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Cowboy Whiptail Catfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Cowboy Whiptail Catfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Colombia, Venezuela.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 108 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Eyed Plecostomus Panaque cochliodon Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 30 cm (≤ 11.8 in) 22–28 °C Adolfos Catfish Corydoras adolfoi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 6 cm (≤ 2.4 in) 22–26 °C Banded Hillstream Loach Pseudogastromyzon changtingensis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 7.5 cm (≤ 3 in) 18–24 °C Black Venezuela Corydoras Corydoras schultzei Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 6 cm (≤ 2.4 in) 22–27 °C Bleeding Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in) 22–27 °C Blue Fin Hillstream Loach Gastromyzon aeroides Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 20–24 °C

FAQ

How large does Cowboy Whiptail Catfish get?

Cowboy Whiptail Catfish reaches ≤ 20 cm (≤ 7.9 in). Allow for adult swimming space, filtration, and compatible companions.

What aquarium size does Cowboy Whiptail Catfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 108 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length.

Is Cowboy Whiptail Catfish peaceful?

Yes. Cowboy Whiptail Catfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Cowboy Whiptail Catfish?

Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.