Red Lizard Catfish

About

The red lizard catfish (Rineloricaria sp.) is one of those fish where the backstory is almost as interesting as the animal itself. Whether it represents a wild-collected population, a selectively bred form, or a hybrid of uncertain parentage, no one has settled the question definitively. What does seem clear is that all specimens reaching the hobby are tank-raised, and the fish breeds readily enough that commercial production is straightforward. It has a slim, flattened body typical of whiptail loricariids, with a reddish coloration that sets it apart from most of its relatives. Despite the aggressive and territorial tags that sometimes get attached to it, this is actually a calm, sociable catfish in most situations. The territorial behavior kicks in mainly around spawning time when males compete over caves. Kept in a small group, it's an easy-going community fish, though it should be paired with quiet tankmates rather than boisterous or aggressive species that will stress it out or dominate feeding. Breeding is one of its highlights: males take full responsibility for guarding and tending the eggs, and spawning can often be triggered by a large, cool water change mimicking seasonal rains. Raising the fry requires attention to diet and water quality, but the adults themselves are a forgiving choice for newer keepers.