Quick Care Details (Table)
| Livestock Characteristics | Value |
|---|---|
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Herbivorous |
| Maximum Size | 6 inches (15 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 20 gallons |
| Plant Safe | Yes |
| Temperature Range | 72-78°F (22-26°C) |
| PH Range | 6.5-7.5 |
| KH Range | 3-8 dKH |
| GH Range | 4-12 dGH |
Species Specific Categories
Helpful Video
Care Details
Aquascape The Royal Farlowella loves a well-planted tank with plenty of driftwood. They'll cling to the wood, mimicking a branch in their natural habitat.
Substrate A smooth, sandy substrate is ideal since they like to sift through it in search of food. Avoid sharp gravel to prevent injury to their delicate bodies.
Disease Prevention Good water quality and regular maintenance are key. They can be sensitive to poor water conditions, so keep up with water changes and avoid overcrowding.
Filtration A gentle filter setup is best to avoid stressing these peaceful fish. Ensure it provides enough flow without causing too much disturbance.
Lighting Moderate lighting is sufficient; they don't need high intensity. It should simulate natural daylight to encourage normal behavior.
Water Flow They prefer slow to moderate water flow. Too much can stress them out, so adjust filtration accordingly.
Hardiness They're generally hardy once acclimated to their environment. Stable water parameters are crucial to their well-being.
Acclimation Slow and gradual acclimation is important to reduce stress. Float the bag to equalize temperature, then add small amounts of tank water over time.
Expected Lifespan With proper care, they can live around 5-7 years in captivity.
Special Requirements They might not compete well with more active or aggressive tank mates, so choose companions carefully. A peaceful community with similar-sized fish works best.
Temperament and Behavior
Behavior These fish are peaceful and spend most of their time clinging to driftwood or resting on smooth surfaces. They're quite shy and prefer hiding spots.
Breeding Breeding in aquariums is challenging and rarely documented. It typically requires specialized conditions and setups.
Aggression They're non-aggressive and make excellent tank mates for other peaceful species. However, they can be shy and may hide if bullied.
Tankmates Compatibility They do well with peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, and small catfish species. Avoid aggressive or fast-moving fish that might stress them out.
Activity Level They're fairly inactive during the day, moving slowly and purposefully. They become more active during feeding times.
Schooling or Shoaling Behavior They're solitary and don't require companions of their own species. They'll often find a favorite spot and stick to it.
Plant Compatibility They won't harm plants and appreciate a well-planted tank with ample hiding spots. Smooth-leaved plants like Anubias and Java Fern are ideal.
Diet and Nutrition
Dry Foods They may accept sinking pellets or algae wafers designed for herbivorous fish. Ensure the pellets are small and sink slowly to the bottom where they feed.
Frozen Foods Occasionally, they can be offered frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp. Thaw them before feeding to ensure they sink properly.
Live Foods They enjoy occasional live foods such as small worms or insect larvae. These can provide variety and enrichment in their diet.
Vegetables Blanched vegetables like zucchini or cucumber slices can be offered. Secure them with a vegetable clip near their favorite feeding spots.
Algae They'll graze on algae naturally found in the tank. However, supplementing with algae wafers ensures they receive enough vegetable matter.
Feeding Schedule Feed small amounts once or twice a day, ensuring they consume all food within a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality.
Supplemental Foods Occasional treats like spirulina flakes or specialized herbivore diets can provide additional nutrition. Rotate their diet to ensure balanced nutrition.
Tank Parameters
Tank size A tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended for a single Royal Farlowella. Larger tanks provide more stable water conditions and ample swimming space.
Tank Length and Measurements Choose a tank that is longer rather than taller, as these fish prefer horizontal space. A tank with dimensions around 24 inches long and 12 inches wide is suitable.
Water Temperature Maintain a temperature between 72-78°F (22-26°C). Avoid rapid fluctuations in temperature.
pH (Acidity/Alkalinity) Keep the pH level between 6.5-7.5, slightly acidic to neutral. Stable pH is crucial for their health.
KH (Carbonate Hardness) Maintain a carbonate hardness (KH) of 3-8 dKH. This helps stabilize pH levels and provides buffering capacity.
GH (General Hardness) Keep the general hardness (GH) between 4-12 dGH. They prefer moderately hard water but can adapt to a range of conditions.
Hardiness Once acclimated, they are generally hardy. Stable water parameters and regular maintenance are key to their well-being.
Nitrate (NO3) levels Keep nitrate levels below 20 ppm through regular water changes and efficient filtration. High nitrate levels can stress these fish and lead to health issues.
History, Popularity, History and Species Variety Details
History
The Royal Farlowella, scientifically known as Sturisoma panamense, originates from the freshwater rivers and streams of South America, particularly in regions of Panama and Colombia. This species was first described by scientists in the early 20th century, highlighting its unique appearance and specialized habitat preferences.
Popularity
In the aquarium hobby, the Royal Farlowella is prized for its striking resemblance to a twig or branch, enhancing the natural aesthetic of planted tanks. While not as commonly found as some other species, it enjoys a dedicated following among enthusiasts who appreciate its peaceful nature and algae-eating habits.
Natural Habitat
In its natural habitat, the Royal Farlowella thrives in slow-moving or stagnant waters rich in vegetation and submerged branches. These environments provide ample surfaces for them to cling onto, mimicking their natural camouflage strategy against predators like birds and larger fish.
Similar and Variations of the Species
- Sturisoma aureum: Similar in appearance with a golden hue.
- Sturisoma festivum: Known for its longer, more slender body shape.
- Sturisoma barbatum: Has distinct bristles around the mouth, resembling a beard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Royal Farlowellas live in a community tank?
Yes, they're peaceful and do well with other calm species like tetras and catfish.
Do Royal Farlowellas eat algae?
Absolutely! They love grazing on algae, but supplement their diet with algae wafers and veggies.
Are Royal Farlowellas difficult to care for?
They're moderate in care level. Stable water parameters and a suitable tank setup are key.
Can Royal Farlowellas live with plants in the aquarium?
Yes, they appreciate a well-planted tank with smooth-leaved plants like Anubias and Java Fern.
Do Royal Farlowellas need a lot of swimming space?
They prefer longer tanks over tall ones, providing ample horizontal swimming room.
How can I distinguish male and female Royal Farlowellas?
It's challenging; males may have broader heads and be slightly larger, but sexing them visually is tough.
