Other Names:
Red Lizard Pleco, Red Lizard Catfish, L010a


Scientific Name:
Rineloricaria sp.


Range:
The red color is probably artificial, 'man-made'. That means that this species is (more than likely) not found in the wild.
It is not known where the original specimen were collected, and what species they were.


Maximum size:
About 12cm. (5").


Aquarium:
A tank with dimmed lights and a good amount of hiding places (plants, drift wood, rocks, artificial caves) is ideal for this catfish. A small tank is sufficient for a group of these fish: 24x12x12" (60x30x30cm.) is enough to house a single specimen, for a breeding group of 2-3 adults a 32x14" (80x35cm.) is better suitable.
Substrate should be sand or smoothened gravel: these fish love to burrow in the substrate, and sharp, jagged gravel can damage the mouth parts or the underside of the fish.
Typical for South American catfish, this species does best in soft, slightly acidic to neutral water, good oxygenation and a good amount of currents. It can however adapt to harder, more akaline water, and may even reproduce under these conditions.


Temperature:
15°C 22-28°C 35°C


pH:
5.0 5.8-7.8 9.0
 Ideal conditions
 Suitable conditions
 Unsuitable conditions


Diet:
Will eat any food that reaches it: Bloodworms, mosquito larvae pieces of shrimp, dry flakes, sinking catfish tablets, vegetables (zucchini, cucumber).


Temperament:
Peaceful and somewhat secretive fish that won't bother its tank mates.


Notes:
It's not fully clear wheter this species is found in the wild, or that it is a fish 'engineered' by man.




Red Whiptail Catfish
Picture taken from www.planetcatfish.com




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