fish description – Pinocchio Whiptail Catfish Care Guide ($Hemiodontichthys\ acipenserinus$)
| Category | Detail |
| Scientific Name | $Hemiodontichthys\ acipenserinus$ |
| Common Name | Pinocchio Whiptail Catfish, Knob Nosed Whiptail, Pinocchio Cat |
| Origin | Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraguay River Basins (South America) |
| Adult Size | 5–5.5 inches (13–14 cm) |
| Temperament | Very peaceful, shy, retiring, nocturnal bottom-dweller |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years |
| Care Level | Moderate (Sensitive to poor water quality and substrate) |
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Appearance and Sexual Differences
- Short Description: A very slender, elongated Loricariid catfish with a camouflage pattern of light brown and dark blotches. Its head is distinctively shaped, with an enlarged, knob-like snout (rostrum). The unique feature of this fish is the male’s lip-brooding of the eggs.
- Coloration: Light brown to tan with fine, dark, irregular, mottled patterns (marble-like). Males develop greatly enlarged mouthparts (a ‘labial veil’) and a longer snout when mature, which is used to carry the egg mass. Females are generally rounder-bodied.
- Fins: Elongated, slender fins with a compressed, diamond-shaped body profile when viewed from above.
- Behavior: A shy, nocturnal bottom-dweller that spends much of its time partially or completely buried in soft sand for camouflage. It is easily out-competed for food by other bottom-dwellers.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 liters) is recommended for a small group. Requires ample floor space and high oxygen levels.
- Schooling: Can be kept singly, but a small group (3–4) is advisable to encourage social behavior.
- Temperature: Tropical range: $75^\circ$–$82^\circ\text{F}\ (24^\circ$–$28^\circ\mathrm{C})$.
- pH Level: Soft, acidic water is preferred: 6.0 to 7.0. This species is very sensitive to poor water conditions (ammonia, nitrite, and high nitrates) and requires a stringent water change regime (40–50% weekly) and good oxygenation.
- Aquascape: Fine, soft sand substrate is absolutely mandatory to allow for natural burrowing and camouflage behavior. Provide plenty of shade, twisted branches/driftwood, and leaf litter. Water movement should be moderate to strong, ensuring high dissolved oxygen.
Diet and Feeding
The Pinocchio Whiptail Catfish is an omnivore with a preference for small aquatic invertebrates.
- Staple Diet: Should be specifically fed sinking tablets or pellets (catfish sticks) that are rich in protein and fiber.
- Supplementation: A varied diet of small, meaty frozen or live foods is essential, as they mainly feed on these in the wild: Bloodworms, Daphnia, Chopped Earthworms, and Brine Shrimp. Occasional blanched vegetables (cucumber, zucchini) are accepted.
- Schedule: Feed once daily, preferably just before the lights go out, to ensure this shy, nocturnal fish gets enough food without competition.
Compatibility
- Caution: Very shy and easily out-competed for food by more boisterous or faster bottom-dwellers (e.g., Corydoras or Loricariids). Avoid overly strong light.
- Good Tank Mates: Small, peaceful characins (e.g., Neon Tetras), docile mid-water fish (Rasboras), and peaceful Dwarf Cichlids (Apistogramma) that leave the bottom level undisturbed.





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