September 28

Sarah Robertson

What Makes the Royal Whiptail Catfish So Royal?

Catfish are a group of ray-finned fishes adapted to living in freshwater environments. There are over 3,000 different catfish species, including the familiar common pleco and the exotic royal whiptail catfish.

The Royal Whiptail Catfish is a South American suckermouth catfish of the Loricariidae family. They have a thin, elongated body with brown or yellow coloring and tiny black lines that run down their sides, and long barbels. The royal whiptail catfish is a peaceful community tank fish that does well in groups and makes an excellent addition to the freshwater aquarium.

The royal whiptail catfish is an excellent pick if you want to add a unique touch to your aquarium. We'll go through everything you need to know about caring for your royal whiptail catfish in this article.

A Quick Royal Whiptail Catfish Care Table 

  • Scientific Name: Rineloricaria spp.
  • Diet: Omnivorous
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Compatibility: Peaceful
  • Ph: 6.5 - 7.5
  • Temperature: 72° - 79° F
  • Water hardness: 3 - 15 dKH
  • Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons
  • Tankmates: Corydoras catfish, Guppies, Minnows, Tetras, Shrimp, Characins
  • Breeding: Usually the aquarium wall
  • Size: 8 Inches
  • Life expectancy: 8-10 years

Royal Whiptail Catfish Origin

The Royal Whiptail Catfish is native to Central and South America. They are found in the rivers of Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador on the Pacific slope, as well as in the Caribbean slopes' rivers of Colombia. Most live in swiftly flowing streams with adequate oxygenation, chilly water, and solid substrates.

The royal whiptail catfish is less popular compared to the common pleco as they are not as good as plecos at eating algae. They do, however, make up for it in their unique appearance and peaceful nature.

Royal Whiptail Catfish Size 

The typical size of a fully grown Royal Whiptail Catfish is 8 inches, although some have been reported to grow up to 8.5 inches in length.

The size of these fish species are determined by the size of their aquarium and the amount of attention it receives. A tank that is big enough and has the right amount of filtration support will help your fish reach its full potential. Another element that influences how big the fish gets is diet. A well-nourished royal whiptail will grow faster and larger than one that isn't.

Royal Whiptail Catfish Life expectancy 

The average lifespan of a royal whiptail catfish is 8-10 years, although some have been known to live up to 15 years in captivity. The key to a long and healthy life for your royal whiptail catfish is providing them with a clean and well-maintained environment.

They reach sexual maturity at the age of 1 and a half to 2 years.

Royal Whiptail Catfish Behavior 

The Royal Whiptail Catfish is a docile bottom-dwelling species that rarely bothers its tankmates. To avoid competition for food at the lower levels, it's best to keep mostly non-aggressive, midwater fish with this fish.

The Royal Whiptail is a sluggish fish that spends hours in one spot. They are also nervous and seek to avoid combat for food with other species of fish. A small flock (from 3 to 5 individuals) should be kept, while the number of females should be greater.

They will spend the majority of their time on the tank floor, often roaming about and looking for uneaten food on the substrate. The fish is nocturnal by nature, however, it will become active during the day once it has been put in a tank with lots of pebbles, twigs, and bogwood.

During the spawning cycle, adult males may show territoriality aimed at threatening or considered rivals in the tank. They can't, however, really harm anybody; they're just a little aggressive and chase away other males. After the spawning cycle is complete, this behavior generally goes away, and they become their docile selves again.

Royal Whiptail Catfish Appearance

Royal Whiptail Catfish Appearance 

This species of catfish is known for its slender, elongated body, brown or yellow coloration with tiny black markings that run across the sides, in addition to the impressive fin extensions.

The dorsal fin has a long, filamentous ray that can be up to twice the length of the body. The pectoral and pelvic fins are also elongated, while the adipose fin is shorter. The fish's head is small and pointed, with barbels on each side used for sensing food in murky waters.

Gender Differences 

Males and females are difficult to distinguish from one another by appearance alone.

  • Males tend to be slightly larger than females and have longer dorsal and anal fins.
  • Males tend to be slightly larger than females and have longer dorsal and anal fins.
  • The easiest way to determine the gender of your Royal Whiptail Catfish is by observing their behavior. Males are generally more aggressive than females and will often chase away other males during the spawning season. Females, on the other hand, are typically more docile and less aggressive.

Royal Whiptail Catfish Tank Setup 

It's simple to set up a tank for your Royal Whiptail Catfish. These fishes are highly adaptable and don't require exceptional water quality. They can live with a wide range of pH levels and temperatures. It is still necessary to provide excellent care and setup in order for them to thrive.

Tank Size 

The Whiptail Catfish (Rineloricaria spp.) can be kept alone, in pairs, or in groups. A pair may share a 20-gallon aquarium. If you have more than a pair, add 10 gallons to the minimum aquarium size for each additional fish.

Whiptails spend a lot of time on the bottom of the aquarium, so use a smooth, sandy substrate rather than boulders. Whiptail catfish appreciate lots of concealment options in their tanks, therefore make sure there is plenty of greenery and driftwood for them to hide in.

Royal Whiptail Catfish Tank Water Parameters 

Whiptails are usually tough. They want soft water with a carbonate hardness of 3 to 15 degrees. Whiptails enjoy an acidic pH, but they can survive in neutral to weakly basic water. Keep the fish in water with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. They enjoy cool water between 72 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit, which is also suitable for other South American fish.

Tank Decor 

Whiptail catfish prefer lots of hiding places, so be sure to provide plenty of rocks and plants for them to hide in. You can either use artificial plants or live plants. However, Whiptails prefer live plants, but they will also eat them. Avoid feeding your whiptails live plants unless you are sure the plant is not toxic to them. Some good choices for plants that are safe for whiptails and other aquarium fish include:

  • Anacharis
  • Java Fern
  • Hornwort

Royal whiptails are also like a sandy substrate. Make sure that the substrate is smooth, as these fish often sift through it in search of food.

Because they are nocturnal fish, they don't need bright lights in their tank. In fact, they may be intimidated by bright light and prefer subdued lighting.

Whiptails love to hide in driftwood, so be sure to provide plenty of it in their tank. Driftwood also helps to keep the pH level in the tank low, which is something that whiptails prefer.

Some good driftwood choices for aquariums include:

  • Mangrove wood
  • Bogwood
  • Coconut husks

Filters 

The type of filter utilized in Royal Whiptail Catfish tanks is irrelevant. It's typically a good idea to use a filter that is designed specifically for your fish's aquarium, however. Filters are an important component of every aquarium since they help to maintain clean, toxin-free water. As a baseline, aim for a filter that can turn over 4-5 times the volume of your aquarium per hour.

For example, a 20-gallon tank should have a filter that can turn over at least 80 gallons per hour.

In order to clean your filter, it is recommended that you do a 25% water change every 2-4 weeks.

Cleaning Your Royal Whiptail Catfish Tank 

It is important to maintain a clean and healthy environment for your Royal Whiptail Catfish. A good rule of thumb is to do a 25% water change every 2-4 weeks. This will help to remove any toxins that may have built up in the water, as well as replenish any lost nutrients.

In addition to doing regular water changes, you should also vacuum the substrate and clean any decorations that are in the tank. This will help to remove any algae or other build-up that may have accumulated over time.

If you have live plants in your tank, it is also important to trim them on a regular basis. This will help to keep the plants healthy and prevent them from taking over the tank.

Royal Whiptail Catfish Tank Mates 

Royal Whiptail Catfish are relatively peaceful fish, and they can be kept with a variety of different tank mates. Some good choices for Royal Whiptail Catfish tank mates include:

  • Corydoras catfish
  • Guppies
  • Mollies
  • Platies
  • Swordtails
  • Tetras
  • Barbs

Some Royal Whiptail Catfish owners also choose to keep them with other pleco species. However, it is important to do your research before adding any new fish to your tank, as some plecos can be aggressive.

When choosing Royal Whiptail Catfish tank mates, it is important to avoid any fish that are known to be nippy or aggressive. These fish can cause stress to your Royal Whiptails, which can lead to health problems.

Some fish that should be avoided as Royal Whiptail Catfish tank mates include:

  • Bettas
  • Gouramis
  • Angelfish
  • Oscars
  • Cichlids

It is also important to avoid any fish that are too small, as Royal Whiptail Catfish may mistake them for food.

Royal Whiptail

Royal Whiptail Catfish Diet 

Royal Whiptail Catfish are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat both vegetable matter and animal matter. In the wild, their diet consists of algae, small insects, and crustaceans.

In captivity, Royal Whiptail Catfish should be fed a variety of foods to ensure that they are getting all of the nutrients they need. Some good food choices for Royal Whiptail Catfish include:

  • Cucumber
  • Zucchini
  • Squash
  • Spinach
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Kale
  • Algae wafers
  • Bloodworms
  • Brine shrimp
  • Daphnia

It is important to feed your Royal Whiptail Catfish a variety of foods to ensure that they are getting all of the nutrients they need. A good rule of thumb is to offer them a variety of food items at each feeding. For example, you could offer them algae wafers, bloodworms, and brine shrimp at one feeding, and cucumber, zucchini, and squash at the next.

In addition to offering a variety of foods, it is also important to feed your Royal Whiptail Catfish live food, but not on a regular basis. Live food is an excellent source of nutrition for royal whiptail, and it will help to keep them healthy and active. However, live food should only be offered as a supplement to their diet, and not as the main source of food.

Royal Whiptail Catfish should be fed 2-3 times per day, and only as much food as they can eat in 2-3 minutes. This will help to prevent overfeeding, which can lead to health problems.

Royal Whiptail Catfish Diseases 

Royal Whiptail Catfish are relatively hardy fish, and they are not susceptible to many diseases. However, there are a few diseases that they can be susceptible to, including:

  • Ich: Ich is a common disease that can affect both freshwater and saltwater fish. Ich is caused by a parasite that attaches to the fish's body and causes white spots to form. If left untreated, ich can be fatal. The best way to prevent ich is to maintain good water quality and quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank. If you do notice any white spots on your fish, you should treat the entire tank with a commercial ich treatment.
  • Hole in the Head Disease: Hole in the head disease is a condition that can affect royal whiptail fish. The exact cause of the hole in the head disease is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of poor water quality and poor diet. Symptoms of a hole-in-the-head disease include white spots on the body and head, as well as holes that form in the head. If left untreated, a hole in the head disease can be fatal. To prevent a hole in the head disease, it is important to maintain good water quality and to feed your royal whiptail a variety of foods. If you do notice any white spots or holes in your fish, you should take them to an expert for a diagnosis.
  • Skin Flukes: Skin flukes are parasites that burrow into the skin of fish, causing irritation and inflammation. If left untreated, skin flukes can be fatal. To prevent skin flukes, quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank. If you do notice any irritation or inflammation on your fish, you should treat the entire tank with a commercial skin fluke treatment. Royal Whiptail Catfish are relatively hardy fish, but there are a few diseases that they can be susceptible to. The best way to prevent these diseases is to maintain good water quality and quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank.
  • Velvet disease: Velvet disease is a common disease that can affect both freshwater and saltwater fish. Velvet disease is caused by a parasite that attaches to the fish's body and causes white spots to form. If left untreated, velvet disease can be fatal. The best way to prevent velvet disease is to keep your tank clean and quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank. Velvet disease is treated with antibiotics and copper-based medicines.
  • Fin rot: Fin rot is a common disease that can affect both freshwater and saltwater fish. Fin rot is caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream through open wounds. If left untreated, fin rot can be fatal. The best way to prevent fin rot is to maintain good water quality and quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank. Fin rot can be prevented or treated using a combination of antibiotics and antifungals.
  • Dropsy: Dropsy is a disease that can affect both freshwater and saltwater fish. Dropsy is caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream through open wounds. If left untreated, dropsy can be fatal. Swelling of the abdomen, bulging eyes, gill coloration that appears pale, fins that clench, curving spine, and pallid faces are all signs of dropsy. The best way to prevent dropsy is to maintain good water quality and quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank. Dropsy can be treated with a range of prescription medications including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicines.

Preventing Disease in Royal Whiptail Catfish 

Prevention is always better than cure, and this is especially true when it comes to disease in fish. The following are some tips that will help you to prevent disease in your fish:

  • Maintain good water quality. This is the most important thing you can do to prevent disease in your fish. Regular water changes and filtration will go a long way toward keeping your tank clean and healthy.
  • Quarantine new fish. Before adding new fish to your tank, it is important to quarantine them for at least two weeks. This will help to ensure that they are healthy and free of disease.
  • Feed a variety of foods. A healthy diet is an important part of preventing disease in fish. Be sure to feed your fish a variety of fresh, frozen, and live foods.
  • Keep your tank clean. A clean tank is a healthy tank. Be sure to remove any uneaten food or waste from your tank on a regular basis.
  • Do not overfeed your fish. Overfeeding can lead to a build-up of toxins in the water, which can stress your fish and make them more susceptible to disease.
  • Monitor your fish for signs of disease. The sooner you spot a problem, the sooner you can treat it. Be sure to inspect your fish on a regular basis for any signs of illness.

Treatment 

If you do notice that your fish are sick, it is important to act quickly. The sooner you start treatment, the better the chances of your fish making a full recovery. The following are some common treatments for fish diseases:

  • Antibiotics: Antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial infections in fish. They can be administered through the water or by injecting them into the fish.
  • Antifungals: Antifungals are used to treat fungal infections in fish. They can be administered through water or by adding them to the food.
  • Copper: Copper is a common treatment for velvet disease. It is important to use copper sulfate, as this is the only form of copper that is safe for use in freshwater tanks. Copper sulfate can be added to the water or injected into the fish.
  • Prescription medications: There are a number of prescription medications that can be used to treat fish diseases. These include antibiotics, antifungals, and anti-inflammatory medicines.
  • Home remedies: There are a number of home remedies that can be used to treat fish diseases. These include adding salt to the water, using vinegar or lemon juice, and adding garlic to the food.
Royal Whiptail Catfish Breeding

Royal Whiptail Catfish Breeding 

This species has been bred in the home aquarium, but it is fairly challenging to achieve especially if you don't have a lot of breeding experience. That being said, it is possible to breed the Royal Whiptail Catfish if you are up for the challenge.

To successfully breed this fish, follow these tips:

  • Select a Pair Of Healthy Fish: The first step is to select a healthy pair of fish. This will give you the best chance of success. There are certain physical traits to look for when selecting a pair of fish. Both fish should have a similar body shape and size. The fins should be intact and there should be no visible defects.
  • Condition the Royal Whiptail Catfish: When you first acquire a pair of fish, you must condition them for breeding. This means feeding them a high-quality diet that includes live and frozen foods. Bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia are all excellent choices. After a few weeks on this diet, the female should start to get fuller, which is an indication she is ready to breed.
  • Introduce the Breeding Aquarium to the Royal Whiptail Catfish: Whiptails may be kept in a 20-galloon aquarium, which is large enough to breed them. It should be well adorned with gravel substrate, greenery, and driftwood. There must be many suitable hiding locations available. A box filter is required to keep the water quality high, as these species come from areas with lots of oxygen. The water temperature should be 25-27°C. The pH should be 6.8-7.2 and the hardness should be 10-20 dGH. You should also offer your Whiptails with a tube in addition to this. Breeding Whiptails are known to appreciate bamboo tubes as breeding sites. The tube should be 15-18 cm long and open on both ends. Depending on the size of your fish, the diameter should be between 5 and 7 cm. When measuring across the pectoral fins, the tube should be slightly smaller than this.
  • Place the Royal Whiptail Catfish in the Aquarium: Once the aquarium is set up, you can introduce your fish. It is best to place them in the aquarium at night so they can acclimate to their new surroundings without stress.
  • Get the Royal Whiptail Catfish Mating: You'll need to breed the royal whiptail after you've set up the tank. The simplest approach to do this is to put the male in first and watch him adjust for a day or two. After that, add the female fish, and they may start mating. The procedure of spawning might take many hours, and there may be little action observed. However, if they aren't coming out to mate, there are a few things you can try to induce spawning. To make the fish feel more secure, you may lower the water level in the tank. You may also add some additional driftwood or live plants to the aquarium, which will aid in lowering the pH. Finally, turn off all artificial lights and only use a very dim red light. This will help to create a more natural environment for the pet fish.
  • Spawning: The male must first establish a secure location in the tank before the female may begin mating with him. Mating might last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. They prefer to spawn on bamboo tubes or aquarium glass. Some males may fertilize eggs from several females at the same time in certain circumstances. The size and age of the female will determine how many eggs she can lay in small bunches, ranging from 30 to 150. The male now has to chase the female and any other fish away so that he may keep watch over the eggs until they hatch successfully, generally about a week later. The male will say with these eggs fanning them constantly to decrease the chance of fungus.
  • Hatching and Raising the Royal Whiptail Catfish Fry: It is suggested that the eggs and fry be moved to a different tank with similar water conditions where they can develop properly. A tiny, well-aerated tank with water less than 6 inches deep is more than enough. Slide the ready-to-hatch eggs off the glass using the old card carefully. Despite males' not eating them, there are still chances of cannibalism. You can prevent this from happening by using a mesh screen to keep the fry safe. The fry needs infusoria or live baby brine shrimp for the first few days until they are big enough to eat larger foods. After about a week, you may start feeding them crushed flake food, daphnia, or other small live foods. Gradually increase the size of the food as they grow. The fry will be fully-grown in about six months to a year.

Note: "If you detect fungus on certain eggs, remove them as soon as possible to avoid spreading the infection."

Royal Whiptail Catfish's eggs are rather big, with a diameter of up to 3.5 mm (0,14 inches).

The color is gentle. As they grow, they become darker. The incubation period is 5-7 days long.

Frequent Questions 

How big do Royal Whiptail Catfish get? 

The average length of a full-grown Royal Whiptail Catfish is between 8 inches. The full length of the Royal Whiptail Catfish can be achieved in 6 months - 1 year.

How many gallons does a Royal Whiptail Catfish need? 

The recommended tank size for a Royal Whiptail Catfish is at least 20 gallons. However, a 30-40 gallon tank is preferred to provide more swimming space if you are planning to keep a big group of fish.

Are Royal Whiptail Catfish active? 

The Royal Whiptail Catfish are mostly active at night when they forage for food. During the day, they like to hide among plants or driftwood.

How long does Royal Whiptail Catfish live? 

The Royal Whiptail Catfish has a lifespan of 5 to 8 years in captivity. Proper care and tank maintenance are necessary to ensure that they live a long and healthy life.

Are Royal Whiptail Catfish good algae eaters? 

The Royal Whiptail Catfish is not as good at eating algae as other pleco fish species. They prefer to eat meaty foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. However, they may nibble on some algae if they are hungry enough.

Do Royal Whiptail Catfish need a lot of care? 

The Royal Whiptail Catfish are relatively easy to care for as long as you provide them with a clean and well-maintained tank. They are very sensitive to changes in water quality so it is important to do regular water changes and vacuum the gravel to remove any uneaten food or waste.

Do Royal Whiptail Catfish need hiding places? 

The Royal Whiptail Catfish do not need hiding places but they will appreciate some plants or driftwood in their tank for them to hide in during the daytime. They are mostly active at night when they forage for food.

What does Royal Whiptail Catfish eat? 

The Royal Whiptail Catfish are mostly carnivores and prefer meaty foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. They may also nibble on some algae if they are hungry enough. It is important to provide them with a varied diet to ensure that they receive all the nutrients they need.

Conclusion 

Royal Whiptail Catfish is a popular choice for many aquarium enthusiasts due to their hardy nature and unique appearance. They have beautiful yellow and brown bodies with black lines running down their sides.

They are relatively easy to care for as long as you provide them with a clean and well-maintained tank. They are very sensitive to changes in water quality so it is important to do regular water changes and vacuum the gravel to remove any uneaten food or waste. Royal Whiptail Catfish are omnivorous and prefer to eat both vegetables and meaty foods.

These fish are most active at night when they forage for food. They do not need hiding places but will appreciate some plants or driftwood in their tank for them to hide in during the daytime. These beautiful fish can grow up to 8 inches in length and have a lifespan of 5 to 8 years. So if you are looking for a hardy and unique fish to add to your aquarium, then the Royal Whiptail Catfish might be the perfect choice for you!

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Sarah Robertson

I am a passionate blogger who also happens to be a fish keeping enthusiast. Writing about my hobby is something that I absolutely love to do, and it's no secret that my chosen topic is always centered around fish keeping.

Sarah Robertson

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