Sturisoma aureum - Giant Whiptail, Golden Whiptail

Scientific name: Sturisoma aureum
Common name: Giant Whiptail, Golden Whiptail
Group: Catfishes
Habitat: Columbia
Size: 22 cm
Biotope: Inhabits areas having a mud or sand substrate with submerged wood in South America
Social behavior: A quiet, nocturnal species that may be territorial towards others of its own kind. Otherwise an excellent community fish that will not harm smaller tank mates. This species should not be kept with large aggressive fish.
Diet: Algae, vegetables, lettuce, spinach, mashed peas, live, insect larvae, Artemia.
Breeding: Quite easy, but rare.
Tank: Minimum 300 litres
Population: 3-4 fishes for 300 litres.
Decoration: Use a fine gravel or sand substrate. The tank can be well-planted with a moderate current. Hiding places among wood and rocks are suggested.
Temperature: 24-25°C
pH: 6,3-7,2.
Hardness: 2,8-11,2 NK°

Description: An elongated species having a flattened, slender body. The snout is slightly upturned and the caudal fin is forked. The dorsal fin is large and tall. The base body coloration is light brown with a broad brown marking running from the snout through the caudal fin. The body and the fins are marked with other brown markings.

Males develop cheek bristles during the spawning season.

Spawning takes place during the winter months at a temperature around 82°F (28°C). The eggs are laid against the sides of the glass and number up to 200. The eggs are carefully guarded by the male. The eggs hatch after 6 days and the fry adhere to the tank's glass. The fry begin to feed after three days on algae and tablet foods. Later the fry accept mashed peas. A good pair will spawn every three weeks during the spawning season.