Royal Whiptail Catfish (Sturisoma panamense) Elegant, peaceful and unmistakably distinctive, the Royal Whiptail Catfish is a graceful South American catfish admired for its elongated armoured body, extended tail filaments and refined natural patterning. Its calm temperament and unusual appearance make it a standout addition to mature planted and community aquariums. Quick Facts Brand: AI Bristlenose Product type: L Numbers Size / Capacity: 8 cm Suitable for: Species-appropriate, established aquariums Is this for you? ✔️ Perfect if: Your aquarium is fully cycled and stable. Adult size, social needs and compatibility have been checked. You can provide the correct water conditions, diet and habitat. You can receive and acclimate live livestock promptly. ❌ Consider something else if: The aquarium is new, uncycled or unstable. Compatibility or long-term space has not been confirmed. You cannot meet the species-specific husbandry requirements. Why choose Royal Whiptail Catfish (Sturisoma panamense)? It provides a clearly identified livestock option that can be assessed against your aquarium. Matching adult size, behaviour and water needs helps prevent avoidable stress. A planned addition is easier to acclimate, feed and monitor. It is preferable to a similar-looking species when its long-term needs better suit your setup. Key Benefits Planned selection – Supports matching livestock to a suitable aquarium. Aquarium suitability – Can become a rewarding part of a properly planned community. Clear checks – Encourages confirmation of size, water and compatibility. Long-term care – Keeps husbandry ahead of impulse selection. Specialist support – NTA can help clarify suitability before ordering. Specifications Available variants: Medium; Large Capacity / Size: 8 cm Shopify category: Live Animals Specifications may vary by model or manufacturer revision. Please check the selected variant where applicable. What's included? The selected live livestock variant. Protective packing appropriate to the available fulfilment method. Care or acclimation guidance where supplied. Only items explicitly stated in the listing are included. Setup & Use Prepare and test the aquarium before arrival. Inspect the package and follow current NTA acclimation guidance. Introduce the livestock calmly with reduced lighting where appropriate. Observe behaviour and compatibility closely. Maintain stable water and feed an appropriate diet. Maintenance Regular inspection and appropriate care help keep this product or livestock in suitable condition. Test water regularly. Maintain stable, species-appropriate parameters. Feed controlled portions of a suitable diet. Monitor growth, behaviour and compatibility. Pairs perfectly with A reliable water test kit. Species-appropriate food. Water conditioner. Suitable plants, caves or cover. A quarantine or observation setup where appropriate. NTA Insight: Check the adult animal, not only the size offered today. Adult size, social needs and behaviour are often the deciding factors. Before You Buy Compatibility: Confirm the exact product, variant, livestock and system compatibility before ordering. Sizing: Use verified dimensions, actual aquarium volume and the intended application rather than relying on appearance alone. Installation: Check access, placement, connections and safe operating requirements before use. Replacement parts: Availability varies by product and manufacturer; confirm the exact model or SKU when a replacement is essential. FAQ Do Royal Whiptail Catfish eat algae?They graze on soft algae and natural biofilm, but they are not complete aquarium cleaners. They require regular meals of sinking wafers, spirulina-based foods, vegetables and protein-rich frozen foods. Are Royal Whiptail Catfish peaceful?Yes. They are calm and generally non-aggressive, making them suitable for peaceful community aquariums with tank mates that will not harass them or outcompete them at feeding time. How large do Royal Whiptail Catfish grow?Adults commonly reach approximately 18–22 cm, including the extended tail filaments. Their elongated shape means they require more aquarium length and floor space than their body mass may suggest. Do they need driftwood?Driftwood is strongly recommended. It provides natural resting surfaces, shelter and areas where biofilm develops, helping create an environment in which Royal Whiptails feel secure. Can Royal Whiptail Catfish live with shrimp?They are generally compatible with adult freshwater shrimp. Very small shrimplets may occasionally be consumed opportunistically while the catfish searches for food. Can more than one Royal Whiptail Catfish be kept together?Yes. They can be kept individually or in compatible groups when the aquarium offers sufficient floor space, shelter and multiple feeding locations. Mature males may become mildly territorial around breeding sites. Are Royal Whiptail Catfish suitable for beginners?They are best suited to aquarists who can maintain a mature, stable aquarium with excellent water quality. Their temperament is gentle, but consistent feeding and clean, oxygen-rich water are essential. How long do Royal Whiptail Catfish live?With excellent water quality, appropriate nutrition and a low-stress environment, Royal Whiptail Catfish may live for approximately 8–10 years or longer. What does Royal Whiptail Catfish (Sturisoma panamense) do?Royal Whiptail Catfish (Sturisoma panamense) is intended for species-appropriate, established aquariums. Check the selected option and listing details against your needs. What aquarium size is it suitable for?Use any verified rating in the Specifications section as a starting point. If no rating is stated, contact NTA when tank size is the deciding factor. Is this the right model for my aquarium?Confirm purpose, physical fit, capacity and compatibility before ordering. What's included in the box?Only the selected product and components explicitly stated in the current listing are included.
