Long-tailed Sturisoma - (Pterosturisoma microps)

🐟 Long-tailed Sturisoma – (Pterosturisoma microps) – South American Whiptail Catfish for Sale

The Long-tailed Sturisoma (Pterosturisoma microps) is a stunning whiptail catfish species from South America, admired for its extra-long tail filaments, slender body, and peaceful nature. With its unique body shape and graceful swimming style, this fish is a true showpiece in planted and river-style aquariums.

Native to fast-flowing rivers, the Long-tailed Sturisoma thrives in well-oxygenated tanks with smooth driftwood, rockwork, and sandy or fine gravel substrate. It is a gentle grazer of algae and biofilm, making it both a decorative and functional aquarium resident.

🔎 Quick Facts – Long-tailed Sturisoma

• 📛 Common Name: Long-tailed Sturisoma
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Pterosturisoma microps
• 🌍 Origin: South America – Upper Amazon Basin
• 🎨 Appearance: Slender, elongated body with extended tail filaments and mottled brown coloration for camouflage
• 📏 Max Size: 6–7 inches (15–18 cm)
• 💎 Availability: South American whiptail catfish for sale

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🤝 Peaceful and community-friendly
• 🌿 Constant grazer of algae and biofilm
• 🪵 Prefers aquariums with driftwood, smooth rocks, and hiding spots
• 🌊 Enjoys gentle to moderate current

🏠 Tank Requirements – Long-tailed Sturisoma Care

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 30+ gallons
• 🌊 Moderate water flow with excellent oxygenation
• 🪵 Provide driftwood, smooth stones, and sandy substrate
• 🌿 Works well in planted aquariums

💧 Water Parameters

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.2–7.4
• 💧 Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

🍽️ Diet (Omnivorous with herbivorous preference)

• 🌿 Algae, biofilm, and spirulina-based wafers
• 🥒 Blanched vegetables such as zucchini and cucumber
• 🍤 Occasional protein: bloodworms, brine shrimp, sinking carnivore pellets

🔍 Sexing

• Males develop more pronounced odontodes on the head and pectoral fins during breeding season
• Females are rounder-bodied when mature

📋 Overview Table – Long-tailed Sturisoma Care

✨ Highlight:
The Long-tailed Sturisoma is a graceful, peaceful catfish that combines beauty with function, making it an ideal choice for aquarists who want a unique algae grazer for their community aquarium.