Haseman's Whiptail Catfish (Rineloricaria hasemani)

Rineloricaria hasemani, commonly known as Haseman's Whiptail Catfish, is a peaceful and attractive member of the Loricariidae family, popular in the aquarium trade for its unique appearance and gentle nature. 

Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Rineloricaria hasemani (Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1979)
• Synonym: Hemiloricaria hasemani
• Common Name: Haseman’s Whiptail Catfish
• Family: Loricariidae
• Origin: Lower Amazon and Tocantins River basins, Brazil 
• Size: Up to 19.8 cm (7.8 inches), though typically around 13–15 cm in aquariums 
• IUCN Status: Data Deficient 

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Natural Habitat: Forest streams with sandy or muddy bottoms, often near submerged vegetation or leaf litter
• Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons for a small group
• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel
• Decor: Driftwood, bamboo stalks, long-leaved plants for resting
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 24–29°C (75–84°F)
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
• Filtration: Gentle flow; prefers clean, well-oxygenated water

Diet

• Feeding Type: Omnivore
• Preferred Foods:
  • Vegetables: cucumber, zucchini
  • Prepared: sinking tablets, wafers, flakes
  • Frozen/live: bloodworms, brine shrimp (occasionally)

Behavior & Compatibility

• Temperament: Peaceful and shy
• Activity: Mostly nocturnal; rests during the day
• Tankmates: Ideal with other peaceful species like tetras, rasboras, and dwarf cichlids
• Social Needs: Can be kept singly or in small groups

Breeding

• Method: Cave spawner
• Process:
  • Male cleans a cave or tube
  • Female lays eggs inside
  • Male guards and fans eggs until hatching (4–5 days)
• Fry Care: Remove male post-hatching; fry feed on infusoria and powdered foods

Appearance

• Body Shape: Slender, elongated with a whip-like tail
• Coloration: Brown to tan with subtle mottling; armored plates along the body
• Special Traits: Suckermouth for algae grazing; facultative air-breather