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Royal Whiptail - Sturisoma panamense
Royal Whiptail - Sturisoma panamense
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Royal Whiptail (Sturisoma panamense)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sturisoma panamense |
| Common Names | Royal Whiptail, Royal Farlowella, Royal Twig Catfish |
| Family | Loricariidae |
| Country of Origin | Panama, Colombia |
| Habitat | Fast-flowing rivers, driftwood zones, oxygen-rich waters |
| Max Size | 20–25 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom / Mid-Bottom |
| Minimum Tank Size | 40–55 gallons (150–200 liters) |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| Temperature | 24–28°C (75–82°F) |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness | Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH) |
| Diet | Algae, biofilm, sinking wafers, blanched vegetables, spirulina |
| Behavior | Shy but active, enjoys strong flow and driftwood |
| Breeding | Male guards eggs on flat surfaces; moderate difficulty |
| Tankmates | Small peaceful fish, tetras, rasboras, peaceful cichlids, Corydoras |
| Care Level | Moderate |
The Royal Whiptail (Sturisoma panamense) is a stunning and elegant catfish admired for its long, slender body, extended tail filaments, and graceful swimming style. Native to fast-moving rivers in Panama and Colombia, this species thrives in aquariums with strong water flow, high oxygenation, and plenty of driftwood and smooth surfaces. A gentle algae grazer, the Royal Whiptail feeds on biofilm and sinking foods, making it an excellent addition to peaceful community aquariums. Its calm and non-aggressive temperament allows it to coexist with most small, peaceful fish. With proper care, pristine water quality, and stable parameters, this species becomes a beautiful centerpiece that adds sophistication and natural charm to any freshwater setup.
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Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy
In the rare case that your livestock arrives dead, we offer a fair and standard DOA policy.
To qualify for a credit, you must contact us within 2 hours of delivery. Claims made after this period will not be accepted.
When reporting a DOA, please provide a video and three clear photos of the fish in its unopened, sealed bag as originally packaged. Clear images are required for processing your claim.
Once approved, we will issue a credit for the fish (excluding shipping) toward a future purchase. If you wish to receive a replacement, shipping costs must be covered again, or we can hold the credit for a later order.
For any questions, please contact us via our booking form.