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stick algae eater?
Posted: 06 Apr 2004, 04:33
by Theresa_M
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
Posted: 06 Apr 2004, 04:44
by corybreed
Sounds like Farlowella acus, the twig catfish.
Mark
Posted: 06 Apr 2004, 14:31
by racoll
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.
Posted: 06 Apr 2004, 15:15
by Rusty
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
Posted: 06 Apr 2004, 20:25
by racoll
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.