Twig catfish (Farlowella spp.) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Twig catfish, Farlowella vittata, Farlowella acus (often a misidentification), Needle catfish
Family
Loricariidae (suckermouth armoured catfishes)
Origin
Tropical South America, from the Orinoco basin through the Amazon to the Paraná–Paraguay system.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
15 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
6–7
Hardness
3–10 dGH (F. vittata)
Minimum tank
81 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful

Care

Twig catfish are very slender, stick-like suckermouth catfish with a long snout (rostrum) and usually two dark stripes along a brownish body. PlanetCatfish lists about 35 species in the genus, ranging from about 10 to 26.5 cm standard length (average around 17.5 cm). Figures here are for the most common species in the trade, Farlowella vittata (up to about 15 cm). Size and water needs vary by species, so check which species you are buying before you buy. F. vittata is the most commonly kept, though books and shops often call it F. acus; vittata has a longer, thinner snout. For F. vittata, Seriously Fish suggests a tank with a base of at least 90 × 30 cm (about 81 litres), well-oxygenated water with a gentle current, 24–27 °C, pH 6–7 and 3–10 dGH. Provide plants, wood and smooth surfaces for grazing, and keep the water very clean: twig catfish are sensitive to poor water and do badly after rough shipping, so only buy fish that have been well quarantined and are feeding. Males develop a broader snout with rows of bristle-like odontodes along the sides; females lack these. Sources: PlanetCatfish genus page (planetcatfish.com/common/genus.php?genusid=80); Seriously Fish (seriouslyfish.com/species/farlowella-vittata/). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Mostly a grazer of algae and plant matter. It eats diatoms and soft green algae in the tank, but give it plenty of vegetable food as the staple: blanched courgette, cucumber and spinach, plus algae wafers and other plant-based sinking foods. Small live or frozen foods can be offered now and then. Make sure it gets enough, as it is easily out-competed.

Breeding

F. vittata breeds fairly easily in good conditions, but the fry are hard to raise. Eggs are laid on vertical surfaces such as the glass or plant stems and the male guards and cleans them for about 6–10 days until they hatch. The fry need a constant supply of soft vegetable food and plenty of algae, with very clean water.

Compatibility and tank mates

Very peaceful, but its specialised feeding makes it unsuitable for busy community tanks. Keep it with small, calm fish such as small tetras, pencilfish, Corydoras and Otocinclus, and avoid boisterous fish or aggressive plecos that take its food. Rival males can be a little territorial, but rarely cause damage.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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