Royal Whiptail Catfish

Sturisoma panamense

Royal 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
300 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length
Care level
Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Bottom dweller
Temperature
20–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH
5–15 dGH
KH
4–8 dKH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 8 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 300 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH, KH 4–8 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Royal 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, Royal 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: Panama Colombia Ecuador.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 300 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 Bengal Loach Botia dario Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 15 cm (≤ 5.9 in) 23–27 °C Adolfos Catfish Corydoras adolfoi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 6 cm (≤ 2.4 in) 22–26 °C African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in) 22–26 °C African Freshwater Pipefish Enneacampus ansorgii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 23–27 °C African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 22–27 °C

FAQ

How large does Royal Whiptail Catfish get?

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

What aquarium size does Royal Whiptail Catfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 300 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length.

Is Royal Whiptail Catfish peaceful?

Yes. Royal 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 Royal Whiptail Catfish?

Keep it between 20 to 26 °C.

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