Royal Farlowella Catfish (Sturisoma panamense) 5cm+
Royal Farlowella Catfish (Sturisoma panamense) 5cm+ is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Product Refunds & Returns
- Returns can be processed within 14 days from purchase.
- To return products, they must be in original condition
- Shipping expenses are not refundable
- If your items have been damaged in shipping, please contact us within 24 hours of receipt with photos, and we will assist you.
Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy – Shipped Orders Only
- We guarantee live arrival on all shipped livestock when:
- The package is received on the first delivery attempt.
- Clear photos of the unopened shipping bag and deceased animal are emailed to us within 2 hours of delivery confirmation.
- If these conditions are met, we will provide a replacement or store credit. Shipping charges are non-refundable.
7-Day Livestock Guarantee (Local & Shipped Orders)
- We guarantee our livestock for 7 days from purchase/delivery if our care recommendations and tank requirements were followed.
- Proof Required: We may require photos of the deceased animal, proof of purchase (receipt/order number), and/or a water sample from your tank for testing.
Livestock Refunds, Returns, & Surrenders
- Local customers may return livestock within 72 hours of purchase for a refund, provided the animal is alive and in original condition. Returns must be brought to the store; we do not provide pickup services.
Royal Farlowella Catfish (Sturisoma panamense) 5cm+
Description
Description
Royal Farlowella Catfish (Sturisoma panamense), also known as the Royal Whiptail Catfish, is a peaceful and elegant bottom-dweller prized for its unique appearance and algae-eating habits.
Species Overview
- Scientific Name: Sturisoma panamense
- Common Names: Royal Whiptail Catfish, Twig Catfish, Stick Catfish, Helicopter Pleco
- Size: 6–10 inches (15–25 cm)
- Lifespan: Up to 10 years
- Temperament: Peaceful, ideal for community tanks
- Origin: Fast-flowing rivers in Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel
- Decor: Driftwood, rocks, and live plants for hiding and grazing
- Filtration: Strong filtration with gentle flow; sponge pre-filter recommended
- Aeration: High oxygenation is essential
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- Hardness: 4–10 dGH
- Nitrates: Keep below 40 ppm
Diet
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Primary Diet: Mostly herbivorous
- Algae
- Biofilm (aufwuchs)
- Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)
- Supplemental Foods: Algae wafers, spirulina, occasional protein (bloodworms, brine shrimp)
Breeding
- Difficulty: Moderate
-
Sexual Dimorphism:
- Males have longer dorsal fins and whisker-like protrusions on the head
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Breeding Setup:
- Clean, stable water
- Flat surfaces for egg-laying
- Gentle flow and high oxygen levels
Tankmates
- Best with peaceful species like:
- Tetras
- Corydoras
- Otocinclus
- Shrimp (though shrimplets may be at risk)
- Avoid aggressive or overly active fish that compete for food
Behavior & Traits
- Activity: Mostly nocturnal but can be active during the day with proper setup
- Camouflage: Mimics driftwood; excellent at blending in
- Social Structure: Best kept in small groups (3–5), with more females than males
Specifications
Specifications
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CategoryCatfish
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Species TypeWhiptail Catfish
-
Water Temperature
-
Minimum Tank Size30 Gallons
-
Water pH LevelAcidic, Neutral
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Habitat PreferencePlanted Tanks, Rocky Tanks, Driftwood
-
BehaviourCommunity Fish, Bottom-Dwelling, Solitary
Payment & Security
Payment methods
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