Scientific name: Loricaria simillima
Common name: Marbled whiptail
Family: Loricariidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 16 - 18 cm (6.3 - 7.09 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 8.5
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 8 - 18°N (142.86 - 321.43ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 23 - 28 °C (73.4 - 82.4°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: South America
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels
Food and feeding
Marbled whiptails prefer algae wafers, vegetable based flakes but will accept treats of shrimp pellets after a while.
Origin
Found in the river basins of the Amazon and Orinoco rivers in South America.
Sexing
Males have a much more pronounced lower lip than the females; they can be sexed at an early age.
Breeding
Caves or tunnels need to be provided for the fish to lay their eggs. Once laid, the male will stay above the eggs, raising himself on his pectoral fins. He will wrap his lower lip around them and even carry them as he swims about. The eggs should hatch after 10-14 days and the fry will be quite large compared to other fish. They should accept the same diet as the parents but break it down into smaller pieces first.
Lifespan
Expected lifespan is 15 years.
Short description
Loricaria simillima are a very skittish fish, hiding places should be provided for them in the aquarium.