Red Lizard Whiptail Catfish (Rineloricaria sp.)

Red Lizard Catfish (Rineloricaria sp.) – A Unique and Peaceful Addition to Your Aquarium

The Red Lizard Catfish, also known as the Red Whiptail Catfish, is a fascinating and rare species that makes a great addition to most community aquariums. This peaceful, colorful fish belongs to the Loricariidae family of South American suckermouth catfish. Unlike many other species in this family, which are rarely bred in captivity, the Red Lizard Catfish has been successfully bred by a few select farms.

This fish stands out with its slender, twig-like body, giving it a truly unique appearance. Its exact origins remain unclear, with many believing it to be a man-made hybrid. While its parent species are not definitively identified, one possibility is Rineloricaria lanceolota. All Red Lizard Catfish available in the aquarium trade are tank-bred.

Care and Behavior

Primarily active at night, the Red Lizard Catfish will often become more visible during the day once it settles into its environment. It thrives in a tank with plenty of driftwood, rocks, and hiding spots. While it doesn’t require wood in its diet like some other suckermouth catfish, it may still benefit from the biofilm found on driftwood. It won’t disturb most plants, making it a great choice for planted tanks.

For a healthy diet, this omnivore needs a mix of meaty foods and vegetable matter. It readily accepts live and frozen foods like bloodworms and daphnia, along with fresh veggies such as shelled peas, zucchini, spinach, and cucumber.

Compatibility and Size

The Red Lizard Catfish is extremely peaceful and coexists well with most non-aggressive tank mates, including fish and invertebrates. While larger individuals may prey on tiny shrimp fry, many aquarists successfully keep them in shrimp tanks without issues. Reaching a modest 4.4 inches (11 cm) in length, this fish is relatively thin and doesn’t add much bioload compared to bulkier fish of similar size.

Why You’ll Love This Fish

• A stunning, peaceful, and hardy fish that fits well in most aquariums
• Grows to a manageable size of just 4.4 inches (11 cm)
• Safe for planted tanks and may help control algae, especially when young
• Has a unique, elegant appearance with lots of personality

Recommended Tank Setup

• Temperature: 75° - 84° F (24° - 29° C)
• pH: 6.0 - 7.5
• KH: 2 - 15 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Care Summary

• Diet: Omnivore – requires a mix of meaty foods and vegetables, with an emphasis on protein-rich options
• Behavior: Generally solitary but may interact with others, especially during breeding
• Origin: Tank-bred (original wild species likely from South America)
• Adult Size: 4.4 inches (11 cm)
• Purchase Size: Typically 2 - 3 inches (5 - 7.6 cm)

Looking for a one-of-a-kind catfish that’s easy to care for and full of personality? The Red Lizard Catfish might be the perfect choice for your aquarium!