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Farlowella acus, Kner, 1853
Twig Catfish

Origin: Brazil, La plata region, and tributaries to the Amazon river.

Etymology: acus= pointy

Synonyms: Acestra acus, Kner, 1853.

First European import: 1933?

Description: See picture

Care: Difficult fish. The aquarium should be large enough to supply food for the fish, otherwise not too difficult. Not too much current, and some pollution to generate infusoria increases the chance of survival of the fish. Most fish slowly starve to death! Ph between 6 and 8, soft to medium hard water. A sandy soil, driftwood, and a plant cover are appreciated. In brightly lit tanks often very shy, but never very active.

Temperature: 24-26 degrees.

Feeding: Infusoria, algae.

Size: Up to 15 cm.

pH: 6.0-7.5

Breeding: Has been bred in aquaria. A suitable breeding pair will usually lay their eggs on the glass or on a piece of driftwood. The male will guard the eggs until they hatch, approximately 10 days later(at 26 degrees). The male will help the fry leave the egg shells. Raising the fry to adulthood is very difficult.

Sexual dimorphism: Males have broader snouts with bristles.

Prices: Netherlands 9-12€

Additional:

Picture references: Pictures: E. Naus

References:Baensch, H. A., Riehl, R.(1982): Aquarien Atlas I. Mergus Verlag, Melle, Germany.(click on the link to buy this book)