Data sheet needle catfish
German name:
needle catfish
Scientific name:
Farlowella acus
Origin:
South America
Size:
Body length up to 20 cm
Aquarium
Length:
Length from 100 cm width and 40 cm width
Contents:
from 160 liters
water values
Temperature:
25°-28° C
pH:
5.5 – 7.5
GH:
3° – 9° dH
Behave
Area:
lower area
Lining:
Live food, algae, vegetable food, catfish food
Behave:
calm, sociable, nocturnal, territorial and aggressive during the mating season
Number:
in pairs or in small groups
Difficulty level:
Advanced, breeding difficult
The needle catfish is also known as the common needle catfish. Its home are the slow-flowing waters of the Amazon region of South America. There he prefers to stay in the middle water depths. During the day it hides between fallen leaves and dead wood.
Look
The species belongs to Sucking catfish and armored catfish family (Loricariidae). Striking is the thin and elongated body stature and the very long tip of the snout (rostrum). The mouth is in the front snout area on the underside. The belly is whitish to off-white and very flat. Due to the brownish body coloring and the spotted markings, the body outline appears to dissolve and blends in with the environment. That’s the way they are perfectly camouflaged.
attitude
Needle catfish are predominant nocturnal and twilight active. They like to move around in the lower part of the tank (depending on the substrate).
Since the males compete with one another for food, they are incompatible with one another. For peaceful coexistence, they should only be kept in pairs or in small groups of about 4 members.
The species-appropriate aquarium offers the big fish enough space for swimming and resting. The Volume includes at least 160 liters and an edge length of 100 cm. The facility consists of long- and broad-leaved plant species (e.g. tiger lotus plant). Join in lots of wood(roots, branches) and hiding places made of wooden caves and large tube-like objects. The Furnishings should grow old, so that the catfish can graze on them. The right soil consists of sand or gravel.
One weak current and regular partial water change of about 30% ensure sufficient oxygen and good water quality.
food
The diet of Nadelwels consists of plant and animal food. Above all, however, they eat growth algae and graze on the small animals that live on them. For this they need fine live food, plant-based food and feed tablets. Alternatively, the trade offers high quality catfish feed at.
gender differences
The male differs from the female by a slightly wider extension of the snout. In addition, the whiskers (barbels) are slightly larger than in the female.
breeding and rearing
needle catfish are detention spawner. In the wild, mating and spawning occurs during the rainy season. The female lays 40 to 60 eggs on the leaves of the aquatic plants on the bank area. The males fertilize and guard the eggs. The larvae hatch after about ten days.
Breeding in the aquarium is difficult and rarely succeeds!
socialization
needle catfish are peaceful and calm fish. In the community tank they only tolerate calm and peaceful roommates. Under no circumstances does Farlowella acus get along with barbel and cichlids.
With species-appropriate care, the Nadelwels can an age of about 4 years to reach.
particularities
Farlowella acus not only looks particularly attractive, but cleans the aquarium from excessive algae growth.
Farlowella acus Source: Image on Wikimedia Commons License: CC Attr. SA 3.0 Author: Haplochromis
Needle catfish, Farlowella acus, do not eat plants. If they are socialized with fast eaters, they must be fed additionally.
Otherwise you may starve.
Suitable food for needle catfish:
- catfish tablets
- Frozen spinach
- mysis
There should be a good flow of water in the water.
Plants with long leaves are important for catfish to attach themselves to. wood is necessary.