Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Red Lizard Catfish, also known as the Red Fire Fox Catfish or Red Whiptail Catfish, is a unique suckermouth catfish with a perplexing origin. We say this because how this species came to be within the aquarium trade is not entirely known. The idea that the Red lizard catfish is a man-made hybrid, with one of the parent fishes being the South American Whiptail Catfish (Rineloricaria lanceolota), seems to be the most supported to date however the mystery goes on. Red lizard catfish are reddish-brown in color and most well known for their unique thin and twig like body shape. A very peaceful and rather hardy fish, the Red lizard catfish makes a great addition to the freshwater community aquarium to help control algae and scavenge food that falls to the bottom. Red lizard catfish aren’t extremely social, so only one is recommended per aquarium. An adult Red lizard catfish can reach a size of approximately 4-1/2″.

Diet Requirements: Red lizard catfish are omnivores, but more emphasis should be put on providing plenty of fresh and staple food options that have a good percentage of vegetable content. A diet made up of various high quality protein based and vegetable or Spirulina based flake foods, sinking pellet foods, frozen foods (e.g., bloodworms, brine shrimp) and algae wafers (occasional) are ideal. Offering blanched pieces of zucchini, or raw romaine lettuce, would be an appreciated treat. Protein items should be fed sparingly, only once or twice a week. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 20 gallon aquarium is ideal for a Red lizard catfish. The tank may need to be upgraded as it grows to its full adult size. Red lizard catfish should not be added into a biologically immature aquariun because they are not very tolerant of nitrite or ammonia. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard for this species (Nitrates < 30 ppm). The aquarium should be aquascaped with rocks and driftwood for coverage and places to hide. Red lizard catfish are live plant safe, but some plants (namely thin-leaved and larger-leaved) may procure accidental damage. Red lizard catfish rarely conflict with other fish but can be territorial with conspecifics and other similarily-shaped fish. This species would not fare well in semi-aggressive or aggressive tanks. Recommended water conditions, 72-82° F, KH 6-10, pH 6.5-7.5.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/2” to 2”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.