Aquarium Care:
Not an easy catfish to keep as there have been many
unexplained deaths attributed to this species (and
other Farlowella) and as such would need
dedicated care from an experienced catfish keeper
who has worked with this species or its close cousins
from the easier kept Sturisoma genera. As this
is a very timid species, if housed with other inhabitants
you would be better keeping away from boisterous fish
such as some of the Barb species (such as tigers)
and definitely Cichlids. Better companions would be
the unobtrusive Corydoras species and small
Characins or Rasboras. Needs a high oxygen content
in the aquarium with regular water changes to keep
the water in pristine condition. Prefers a dark substrate
with a dense vegetation, floating and long leaved
plants where they will hang on to. Rarely seen in
imports. Sexual Differences: Sexual
mature males exibit bristles around the mouth. Diet:
They are mostly vegetarian with algae being their
number one source of food for adults and young fry
so the above mentioned foods along with vegetable
laden tablets should suffice.
Common
Name:
None
Synonyms:
Acestra knerii
Family:
Loricariidae
Distribution:
Ecuador:
Upper Amazon River drainage, Napo and Pastaza River
basins.
Size:
12.0cm (4¾ins)
Temp:
24-27°c (75-81°f.)
p.H.
6.0-7.0.
Reference:
Baensch, H.A. and R.
Riehl 1995 Aquarien
Atlas. Band 4. Mergus Verlag GmbH, Verlag für
Natur- und Heimtierkunde, Melle, Germany. 864 p.
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