Antenna whiptail

Pterosturisoma microps

Also known as Longfin whiptail catfish, Antenna catfish

FreshwaterFish

Antenna whiptail (Pterosturisoma microps) — The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature: 73–82°F (23–28°C)
pH: 5.5–7.2
Adult size: 6.3 in (16 cm)
Minimum tank: 40 gal (150 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Schooling
Swim level: Bottom
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: No record
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Upper Amazon, Peru
Family: Loricariidae

Overview

The antenna whiptail is a slender, fine-finned catfish that does best in a small group where the tank has the space and hiding places to go around; several can share a river-style setup without trouble. It grazes biofilm from wood and rock in flowing water and can be slow to settle, so it is not the fish to add to a brand new tank. Give it stable, well-oxygenated water and tempt it with a mix of vegetable foods such as nori and blanched zucchini, plus soft sinking pellets, until it feeds confidently. It is peaceful and easily out-competed, so pick calm, gentle tankmates. Allow at least 150 liters with strong flow.

In the wild

This whiptail lives in the fast, clear upper Amazon of Peru, holding station on wood and rock faces in current that keeps the water rich in oxygen. A river tank suits it: smooth stones and driftwood, a sand or fine-gravel floor, and a brisk flow from powerheads or a strong filter return. Keep the water soft and slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 5.5 to 7.2, and warm at roughly 23 to 28 C. Stable parameters matter, since it reacts badly to sudden swings.

Good to know

Pterosturisoma microps is a member of Loricariidae and reaches about 16 centimeters, though much of that is trailing fin. Long filament extensions stream from the dorsal, pectoral and tail fins, giving it a dramatic outline for a bottom fish. The species name microps means small eye. Breeding in aquaria is essentially undocumented, and it is best regarded as a fish for experienced keepers rather than a beginner's project.

Did you know

The fin streamers can be almost as long as the body itself, so a settled adult looks nearly twice its real length as it drifts over the rocks and holds against the current.