LDA052 Bearded Whiptail Catfish - (Rineloricaria sp.)

🐟 LDA052 Bearded Whiptail Catfish – (Rineloricaria sp.) – South American Whiptail Catfish for Sale

The LDA052 Bearded Whiptail Catfish (Rineloricaria sp.) is a rare and fascinating South American freshwater catfish prized for its slender, elongated body and the distinctive “beard” of bristles found on mature males. Peaceful, hardy, and excellent at algae control, this unique bottom dweller is perfect for planted aquariums and peaceful community tanks.

🔎 Quick Facts – LDA052 Bearded Whiptail Catfish

• 📛 Common Name: Bearded Whiptail Catfish
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Rineloricaria sp.
• 🌍 Origin: South America
• 🎨 Appearance: Slender, armored body with earthy tones; males develop beard-like bristles
• 📏 Max Size: 5–6 inches (12–15 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Rare South American whiptail catfish for sale

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🤝 Peaceful, non-aggressive bottom dweller
• 🌿 Excellent algae and detritus grazer for aquarium maintenance
• 🪶 Compatible with shrimp, small schooling fish, and other peaceful species

🏠 Tank Requirements – Bearded Whiptail Catfish Care

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 30+ gallons
• 🪵 Fine sand or smooth gravel substrate for safe foraging
• 🪨 Provide driftwood, caves, and smooth rocks for shelter
• 🌊 Moderate water flow with strong aeration
• 💡 Low to moderate lighting for a natural habitat feel

💧 Water Parameters

• 🌡️ Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.5–7.5
• 💧 Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

🍽️ Diet (Omnivorous)

• 🌿 Algae, biofilm, sinking algae wafers
• 🥒 Blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach)
• 🍤 Occasional protein: bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp

🔍 Sexing

• 👨 Males: Distinct beard-like bristles and longer pectoral fin spines
• 👩 Females: Smooth head, rounder body when mature

📋 Overview Table – LDA052 Bearded Whiptail Catfish Care

✨ Highlight:
The LDA052 Bearded Whiptail Catfish is an algae-eating South American catfish with a unique “bearded” appearance that makes it both a functional cleaner and a showpiece fish. Ideal for aquarists looking to add a rare, peaceful, and easy-to-care-for species to their aquarium.