Royal twig catfish

Sturisomatichthys panamensis

A pointed snout, narrow tail stem and triangular fins define this slender whiptail.

Brown lateral markings continue onto a thin tail stem. The body is slimmer and the fins shorter and less extended than in S. festivus.

Natural habitat: Native to Pacific-slope rivers of Panama, Colombia and Ecuador, and Caribbean-slope rivers of Colombia.

Appearance and identification

A trade name alone cannot identify a specimen.

A large planted aquarium suits it; water quality and feeding access remain essential.

Offer mainly plant-based foods and appropriate sinking foods, with occasional animal foods. Natural algae alone are not a feeding plan.

Use spacious planted housing with non-aggressive companions and regular water changes.

Sources