So you all remember me being shocked at 13” whiptail catfish a few posts ago? I found a 20” (!!!) whiptail catfish and it’s another loricariid I’ve never heard of!
Say hi to Loricaria lentiginosa, our neato pleco!
I found this loricariid (not exactly “pleco”) while I was insomnia browsing planet catfish for the 13” mystery whiptail catfish mentioned in a video earlier. I should have known monster whiptail catfish exist but when the only real whiptail/twig type catfish I’ve seen is Pseudohemiodon apithanos/Farlowella it’s a big deal!
So about this HUGE whiptail catfish:
From Brazil - likes cooler water/high airflow
It’s a close relative of Pseudohemiodon and Farlowella among others (Loricariinae family)
Grows to 20” - monster fish territory
Mostly carnivore
Prefers being kept in groups - you’re going to need a huge tank for this fish
Lip brooder (keeps eggs under its mouth instead of the usual cave)
It’s body looks so fragile to me
And finally, check out that mouth!
Sources: Planet Catfish | Südamerikafans | Scotcat
Pics: Scotcat
(Thanks for reading!)