Marble Sturisoma Whiptail Catfish
Sturisomatichthys aureus
Marble Sturisoma Whiptail Catfish is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Marble Sturisoma Whiptail Catfish?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 7.9" (≤ 20 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 79 US gal (300 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Bottom to middle swimmer
- Temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH
- 6–7.5
- GH
- 5–20 dGH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 8 years
Care requirements
Care level: Intermediate.
Lifespan: up to 8 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 79 US gal (300 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 5–20 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
Marble Sturisoma Whiptail Catfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.
Feeding
Ensure these slow feeders receive vegetables, sinking tablets and suitable frozen foods. Adult males may not tolerate each other; do not rely on leftovers.
How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 79 US gal (300 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
- Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Colombia.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Marble Sturisoma Whiptail Catfish get?
Marble Sturisoma Whiptail Catfish reaches ≤ 7.9" (≤ 20 cm). Allow for adult swimming space, filtration, and compatible companions.
What aquarium size does Marble Sturisoma Whiptail Catfish need?
Use an aquarium of at least 79 US gal (300 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Is Marble Sturisoma Whiptail Catfish peaceful?
Yes. Marble Sturisoma 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 Marble Sturisoma Whiptail Catfish?
Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.
