stick algae eater?

Theresa_M · Post by **Theresa_M** » 06 Apr 2004, 04:33

I was at lfs today and saw what was called a 'stick algae eater'; I didn't get the scientific name, my bad. Apparently a peaceful fish, good algae eater, grows to ~7" long, and related to pl*cos (?) It look like a long thin twig or stick.

Anyone heard of these, know the scientific name, where I can get more info?

Thanks,

Theresa

Post by **corybreed** » 06 Apr 2004, 04:44

Sounds like Farlowella acus, the twig catfish.
Mark

racoll · Post by **racoll** » 06 Apr 2004, 14:31

here's some info on F.acus but from what i can gather this fish is quite a rare import. more likely to be another Farlowella sp. scan the cat-elog and look for Farlowella under the Loricaridae section

http://www.scotcat.com/factsheets/farlowella_acus.htm

they are not the easyiest pleco to keep by all accounts, the need a very strong current with high dissolved oxygen level, very low nitrates, pH 6.5 - 7 and fairly soft water.

not a fish for the community tank.

Post by **Rusty** » 06 Apr 2004, 15:15

In my experience, they are great community fish that are fine in slow water. However, they do best in planted tanks. YMMV, but I wouldn't hesitate to add one to a well established community tank.

Rusty

racoll · Post by **racoll** » 06 Apr 2004, 20:25

I guess i should keep my mouth shut about fish that i haven't actually kept!!! : )
i was after some you see, and reading up on them i gathered that they were quite specialised and demanding as far as these parameters go.