{"product_id":"royal-farlowella-sturisoma-panamense","title":"Royal Farlowella - Sturisoma panamense","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"577\" data-end=\"619\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"577\" data-end=\"619\"\u003eRoyal Farlowella (Sturisoma panamense)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"621\" data-end=\"1104\"\u003eThe Royal Farlowella is an elegant freshwater whiptail catfish admired for its long slender body, extended fin rays and peaceful grazing behaviour. Also known as the Royal Whiptail Catfish or Royal Twig Catfish, this species is best suited to mature, well-oxygenated aquariums with stable water quality, driftwood, smooth surfaces and peaceful tankmates. It is a specialist community fish rather than a basic algae eater and should be provided with a varied diet and calm conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1106\" data-end=\"1214\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1106\" data-end=\"1122\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1122\" data-end=\"1125\"\u003eRoyal Farlowella, Royal Whiptail Catfish, Royal Twig Catfish, Panamanian Royal Farlowella\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1216\" data-end=\"1266\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1216\" data-end=\"1244\"\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1244\" data-end=\"1247\"\u003eSturisoma panamense\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1268\" data-end=\"1310\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1268\" data-end=\"1285\"\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1285\" data-end=\"1288\"\u003eApproximately 20–25 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1312\" data-end=\"1340\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1312\" data-end=\"1327\"\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1327\" data-end=\"1330\"\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1342\" data-end=\"1541\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1342\" data-end=\"1371\"\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1371\" data-end=\"1374\"\u003eThe Royal Farlowella is associated with tropical Central and north-western South American freshwater habitats, including river systems in Panama, Colombia and Ecuador.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1543\" data-end=\"1710\"\u003eIn the wild, it is found around flowing waters, submerged wood, roots, rocks, marginal vegetation and hard surfaces where it can graze biofilm and fine food particles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1712\" data-end=\"1846\"\u003eIts long body shape and sucker mouth are adapted for resting on hard surfaces and feeding across wood, plants, glass and smooth décor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1848\" data-end=\"2066\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1848\" data-end=\"1869\"\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1869\" data-end=\"1872\"\u003eTemperature: 24–28°C\u003cbr data-start=\"1892\" data-end=\"1895\"\u003epH Range: 6.0–7.5\u003cbr data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"1915\"\u003eHardness: Soft to moderately hard\u003cbr data-start=\"1948\" data-end=\"1951\"\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite: 0 ppm\u003cbr data-start=\"1973\" data-end=\"1976\"\u003eNitrate: Kept low and stable\u003cbr data-start=\"2004\" data-end=\"2007\"\u003eOxygenation: Good oxygenation and clean water are important\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2068\" data-end=\"2095\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2068\" data-end=\"2084\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2084\" data-end=\"2087\"\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2097\" data-end=\"2227\"\u003eRoyal Farlowella are peaceful and best kept with calm community fish that will not harass them or outcompete them at feeding time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2229\" data-end=\"2342\"\u003eThey are gentle, slow-moving catfish and should not be housed with aggressive, boisterous or fin-nipping species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2344\" data-end=\"2381\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2344\" data-end=\"2353\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2353\" data-end=\"2356\"\u003eOmnivore \/ Biofilm Grazer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2383\" data-end=\"2500\"\u003eThe Royal Farlowella naturally grazes biofilm, soft algae, microorganisms and fine organic matter from hard surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2502\" data-end=\"2668\"\u003eSupplement natural grazing with sinking algae wafers, spirulina foods, vegetable-based pellets, blanched courgette, cucumber, spinach and specialist loricariid foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2670\" data-end=\"2840\"\u003eThey also benefit from occasional protein-rich foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp or fine frozen foods, but the diet should remain balanced and not overly meaty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2842\" data-end=\"2934\"\u003eDo not rely on aquarium algae alone, as this species can lose condition if not fed properly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2936\" data-end=\"3015\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2936\" data-end=\"2958\"\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2958\" data-end=\"2961\"\u003eApproximately 150 litres for a single specimen or pair\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3017\" data-end=\"3095\"\u003eA longer aquarium with good floor space and stable water quality is preferred.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3097\" data-end=\"3286\"\u003eLarger aquariums are recommended for groups or community setups, as they provide more grazing surfaces, better water stability and more room for these long-bodied catfish to move naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3288\" data-end=\"3430\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3288\" data-end=\"3313\"\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3313\" data-end=\"3316\"\u003eThe Royal Farlowella spends much of its time resting on wood, glass, broad leaves, stones and other hard surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3432\" data-end=\"3545\"\u003eIt may appear still for long periods while grazing slowly, then move between favourite resting and feeding areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3547\" data-end=\"3699\"\u003eMature males may develop bristles or odontodes around the cheeks and snout and may guard eggs laid on flat surfaces such as glass, wood or broad leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3701\" data-end=\"3753\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3701\" data-end=\"3727\"\u003eCommunity Suitability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3727\" data-end=\"3730\"\u003ePeaceful Community Fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3755\" data-end=\"3848\"\u003eThe Royal Farlowella is best kept in peaceful mature community aquariums with calm tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3850\" data-end=\"4068\"\u003eSuitable tankmates include small to medium peaceful tetras, rasboras, hatchetfish, peaceful dwarf cichlids with care, corydoras, small rainbowfish, gentle livebearers in suitable water and other non-aggressive catfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4070\" data-end=\"4246\"\u003eAvoid large cichlids, aggressive plecos, fin-nippers, very boisterous barbs, predatory fish, puffers and any species likely to damage the fins or prevent the fish from feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4248\" data-end=\"4395\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4248\" data-end=\"4287\"\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4287\" data-end=\"4290\"\u003eThis species needs a mature aquarium with stable water quality, good oxygenation and regular maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4397\" data-end=\"4493\"\u003eProvide driftwood, smooth stones, broad-leaved plants and open surfaces for grazing and resting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4495\" data-end=\"4560\"\u003eAvoid sharp décor that may damage the long fins and slender body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4562\" data-end=\"4646\"\u003eMake sure food reaches the bottom and that faster fish do not take everything first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4648\" data-end=\"4746\"\u003eRoyal Farlowella are sensitive to poor water quality, sudden parameter changes and rough handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4748\" data-end=\"4815\"\u003eUse gentle acclimation and avoid adding them to immature aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4817\" data-end=\"4944\"\u003eThey are peaceful but can be delicate if kept in unsuitable conditions, so calm tankmates and consistent feeding are important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4946\" data-end=\"4978\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4946\" data-end=\"4963\"\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4963\" data-end=\"4966\"\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4980\" data-end=\"5103\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4980\" data-end=\"4997\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4997\" data-end=\"5000\"\u003eAvailability can vary depending on season, supplier and whether specimens are wild-caught or tank-bred.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"5105\" data-end=\"5371\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"5105\" data-end=\"5371\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5106\" data-end=\"5370\"\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":47413341978797,"sku":"AG-104750","price":12.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":47413342011565,"sku":"AG-104751","price":14.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":47413342044333,"sku":"AG-104752","price":16.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/RoyalFarlowella-Sturisomapanamense.jpg?v=1790698546","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/royal-farlowella-sturisoma-panamense","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}