Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Twig Catfish

Farlowella spp.

Also called Farlowella, Mailed catfish

SpeciesShort profile

From South America: the Amazon, Orinoco and Parana river systems and coastal rivers of the Guiana Shield.1

At a glance the quick version

Length15 cm2

Lifespan15 years2

Sizemedium

Farlowella vittata, the most commonly kept species, reaches 15 cm standard length.

Farlowella vittata is believed to live up to about 15 years.

Remarkable twig-like camouflage

Very peaceful

Diligent algae grazer

1 2

Looks how to spot one

Bony-plated suckermouth catfish

An extremely thin, elongated catfish that looks like a stick of wood, with a long pointed snout. Its brown body carries two dark stripes running from the snout tip over the eyes to the tail.1 2

ColoursBrownTwo dark lengthwise stripes1 2

Personality what they are like

Very peaceful and retiring. Males can stake out a spot but rarely bother anyone.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A slow grazer that clings to plant leaves, wood, rocks and glass for long periods.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

For F. vittata Seriously Fish lists 24-27 C, pH 6.0-7.0 and 3-10 dGH. It suits a calm, mature tank with established algae growth, gentle companions and steady water quality.2

Home where they are happiest

Minimum around 90 x 30 x 30 cm (about 81 litres) with wood, plants and surfaces that grow algae.2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Mainly vegetarian: diatoms and green algae, plus fresh vegetables such as cucumber, kale and blanched spinach and algae wafers or spirulina tablets.2 1

Company who they like around

Peaceful with small characins, danios and other gentle loricariids; best kept away from boisterous fish.2

The story where it all began

The genus is named after William Gilson Farlow, a Harvard botanist known for studying algae, the favourite food of these fish. Only a couple of its roughly 30 species are regularly exported for aquariums.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Its genus honours a botanist who studied algae, which is fitting for an algae eater.1
2
Females usually lay eggs on a vertical surface, often the aquarium glass.2
3
The male stays with the eggs and fans them until they hatch in about 6-10 days.2
4
It is so thin that it really does pass for a twig among branches and roots.1

Recognised by the official bits

Taxonomy: Genus Farlowella, family Loricariidae; about 33 valid species, sister group to Sturisoma1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Twig Catfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Twig Catfish?

Feed your Twig Catfish small amounts once or twice daily. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed every day. Always check the food label and ask your vet for the right portion size.2 1 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Twig Catfish eat, and what should it never eat?

Your Twig Catfish mainly eats vegetarian foods like algae, fresh vegetables such as cucumber and kale, and algae wafers. There is no specific information on what to avoid, so ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance.2 1

How much space does a Twig Catfish need?

Your Twig Catfish needs a minimum tank size of about 81 litres (90 x 30 x 30 cm). Provide plenty of wood, plants, and surfaces that grow algae for grazing.2

What temperature, light or water does a Twig Catfish need?

Keep the water temperature between 24 and 27 C, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 and hardness of 3 to 10 dGH. Furry Diary suggests checking temperature daily and testing water weekly to maintain steady quality.2 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean a Twig Catfish's home?

Change about 25% of the water weekly, clean the glass weekly, and rinse the filter in old tank water every 30 days. Never use tap water for the filter. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Twig Catfish live with others?

Yes, your Twig Catfish is very peaceful and can live with small characins, danios, and other gentle loricariids. Keep them away from boisterous fish.2

How long does a Twig Catfish live?

With proper care, your Twig Catfish can live up to 15 years. Provide a calm, mature tank for the best chance at a long life.2

Can I handle a Twig Catfish?

It is best not to handle your Twig Catfish as they are delicate and prefer to cling to surfaces. If you need to move them, ask your vet for the safest method.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Whiptail Catfish

Otocinclus

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

Wikipedia: Farlowella en.wikipedia.orgused for distribution, species count, description, etymology
Seriously Fish: Farlowella vittata seriouslyfish.comused for size, lifespan, water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.