{"product_id":"royal-whiptail-catfish","title":"Royal Whiptail Catfish","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eBiosecurity Shipping Limitations apply\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eShipping Allowed?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 79.3752px;\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eTasmania\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003eNO\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eWestern Australia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003eNO\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eNorthern Territory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003eNO\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 20.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 20.5938px;\"\u003eAll Other States\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 20.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #6bb71f;\"\u003eYES\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"124\" data-end=\"458\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Royal Whiptail Catfish is an unusual South American freshwater catfish known for its extremely slender body, elongated snout and long, whip-like tail. Its subtle brown and tan markings provide excellent camouflage among submerged wood, rocks and leaf litter, making it a fascinating addition to a peaceful community aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoyal Whiptail Catfish are generally shy and spend much of their time resting on driftwood, rocks and other surfaces. They use their specialised mouth to graze biofilm and algae, while also feeding on suitable sinking foods. An established aquarium with mature surfaces and plenty of hiding places helps them settle and feed confidently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey prefer clean, well-oxygenated water with gentle to moderate current. Driftwood, smooth rocks and broad surfaces are particularly useful, while a soft substrate and peaceful tank mates help reduce stress. Avoid housing them with aggressive fish or boisterous species that monopolise food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScientific Name: Sturisomatichthys sp. — exact species may vary\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon Name: Royal Whiptail Catfish \/ Royal Twig Catfish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFamily: Loricariidae\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType: Freshwater Fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdult Size: Approximately 20–26 cm, depending on species\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperament: Peaceful\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level: Moderate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMinimum Aquarium: 250 L+ with a long footprint\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature: 24–28°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epH: 6.5–7.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater Hardness: Soft to moderately hard\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiet: Omnivore, with a strong emphasis on biofilm and plant matter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFood: Algae wafers, spirulina-based foods, blanched vegetables and suitable frozen foods\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTank Level: Bottom and hard surfaces\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGroup Size: Can be kept singly or in compatible groups with enough space\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubstrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable For: Peaceful, established community aquariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAquascape: Driftwood, smooth rocks and broad, flat grazing surfaces\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater Quality: Clean, well-filtered and highly oxygenated\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoyal Whiptail is a trade name used for several related species, so adult size and exact care requirements can differ. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow big does a Royal Whiptail Catfish grow?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome species reach around 20–26 cm, including their elongated tail. They need a spacious aquarium with plenty of horizontal swimming room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat does a Royal Whiptail Catfish eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt grazes biofilm and algae from surfaces. Supplement with algae wafers, spirulina foods, blanched vegetables and occasional suitable frozen foods. Do not rely on naturally occurring algae alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it peaceful?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. It is generally peaceful and suitable for community aquariums with calm, compatible fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes it need driftwood?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDriftwood provides resting places and surfaces for biofilm growth. Smooth rocks and flat surfaces are also important for grazing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan it live with other catfish?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can share an aquarium with peaceful catfish, provided there is enough space and food. Avoid overcrowding the bottom of the tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it suitable for beginners?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is better suited to aquarists who can maintain excellent water quality and provide a varied diet. Its size and specific grazing needs require planning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeeping it in a tank that is too short for its adult size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAssuming it can live on algae alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProviding insufficient oxygenation or water movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeglecting flat surfaces for grazing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeeping it with aggressive fish that compete for food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAllowing nitrate and organic waste to accumulate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50632819736715,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/royal-whiptail-catfishapex-aquatic-1494160.jpg?v=1791844567","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/royal-whiptail-catfish","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}