Species profile
Whiptail Catfish (Rineloricaria)
Rineloricaria sp.
Peaceful
Moderate care
120 L minimum aquarium
10–13 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Minimum group: 4
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Generic Rineloricaria whiptail record. Care can be given conservatively for common small aquarium whiptails, but the master does not assign R. lanceolata without provenance.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–28 °C
pH
6–7.8
GH
Up to 20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 4
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
None
Predation risk
None
Bioload factor
1.8
Very peaceful and relatively sedentary. Best with calm tankmates that will not outcompete it at feeding time; a small group is suitable where space allows.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
120 L
Minimum footprint
90 × 35 cm
Alternative names
Whiptail Catfish, Chocolate Whiptail, Rineloricaria lanceolata if confirmed
Native range
Unresolved for this generic trade record. Rineloricaria species have broad South American distributions, and common aquarium whiptails are not always supplied with reliable locality information.
Natural habitat
Mature planted aquarium with shaded wood/caves, fine substrate and efficient but not excessive flow.
Diet & feeding
Use sinking catfish pellets, algae wafers, vegetables and small frozen foods. Ensure slow-feeding fish receive enough food.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males in many common Rineloricaria develop odontodes/bristles on the head and pectoral region; exact traits depend on species.
Breeding
Many aquarium Rineloricaria are cavity/tube spawners; males guard the eggs. Exact reproductive details vary by species/form.