The marbled whiptail is an algae eater that belongs to the group of Loricariidae and is one of the most abundant species of this group in the Amazon. They have long, slim, almost shark-like torpedo bodies.
They are fond of driftwood and are mostly active in the evening and at night. They are also keen on soft, sandy substrate. It’s a particularly sensitive fish for bad water quality, so it’s important to have absolutely no nitrite, low nitrates and lots of oxygen. It is a peaceful fish, best kept with peaceful cichlids and corydoras and small characins.
An interesting fact is that males carry the eggs underneath their head and torso for approximately 15 days. It keeps the eggs oxygenated through water movement, generated by its mouth. One clutch can contain up to a 100 eggs. The species seems to be widespread through different countries in South America, but awaiting further studies we might actually be dealing with more than just one species. Time will tell.
| LATIN NAME | SIZE |
| Loricaria simillima | Max. 20 cm |
| REGION | WATER CONDITIONS |
| Venezuela / Colombia / Peru / Ecuador / Brazil / Paraguay / Bolivia | Temperature: 24 – 28 °C pH: 5,5 – 7,8 |
| NOTE | FACT |
| Because it is a sand dweller, these whiptails are best kept in an aquarium with open space on the bottom. | Males are mouth brooders and keep the eggs right underneath their head and torso. They can produce more than a 100 eggs per clutch. |
