Why is my Twig Catfish not moving?

Twig Catfish are masters of camouflage and naturally spend long periods perfectly still during the day to mimic a submerged twig. As long as the fish has a slightly rounded belly and normal breathing, this stationary behaviour is completely normal.

How can I tell if my Twig Catfish is getting enough food?

Check the belly of the fish, particularly when it is attached to the aquarium glass. A healthy Twig Catfish will have a flat to slightly convex (rounded) stomach. A sunken or hollow belly is a critical sign of starvation.

Do Twig Catfish clean the aquarium glass?

While they will occasionally graze on the soft algae and diatoms on the glass, they are not highly efficient glass cleaners compared to Bristlenose Plecos or Nerite Snails. They prefer grazing on wood and plant leaves.

Can I keep just one Twig Catfish?

Yes, they are perfectly happy living as solitary individuals. However, they are also peaceful towards their own kind, so keeping them in small groups is fine provided there is enough food and wood for all of them.

What kind of wood should I use in their tank?

Long, branching pieces of bogwood or spiderwood are ideal. Placing them vertically or diagonally closely mimics the overhanging roots and branches of their natural South American habitat.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Twig Catfish

Farlowella vittata

The Twig Catfish is a fascinating, highly specialised bottom dweller that relies on its remarkable resemblance to a submerged stick to evade predators.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 23 – 27 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.2
Hardness: 3 – 10 dGH
Adult size: 15 – 22 cm
100L minimum for an adult due to length and water quality needs: 100 litres+
Lifespan: 8 – 12 years
Diet: Herbivore
Water flow: moderate
Preferred setup: Heavily planted with vertical driftwood branches and subdued lighting.

About the Twig Catfish

Belonging to the family Loricariidae, the Twig Catfish (*Farlowella vittata*) is an oddball species cherished by enthusiasts for its unique morphology. Evolution has shaped this fish into a master of camouflage; its elongated, slender body, pointed snout, and mottled brown colouration allow it to blend seamlessly into tangles of submerged wood. While they are often sold under the name *Farlowella acus*, the true *F. acus* is extremely rare in the hobby, and the vast majority of aquarium specimens are *F. vittata*.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Twig Catfish comes from

Native range

Orinoco River basin

Countries / regions

Colombia, Venezuela

Habitat

Found in slow to moderately flowing rivers and streams, clinging to submerged roots and fallen branches among thick riparian vegetation.

Most specimens sold in the aquarium trade as Farlowella acus are actually Farlowella vittata.

Similar species

Whiptail Catfish
Rineloricaria spp.
Royal Whiptail
Sturisoma panamense
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Peaceful, mid-water swimmers that will not compete with the Twig Catfish for food or territory.
Great
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras spp.
Gentle bottom dwellers that focus on meaty or detritus foods, leaving algae and biofilm for the Twig Catfish.
Great
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus spp.
Can be overly competitive for food and territory; may starve the slower-eating Twig Catfish if not carefully monitored.
Compatible with caution
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Aggressive fin-nippers that will harass the docile, slow-moving Twig Catfish and damage their delicate tail filaments.
Not recommended
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Large, predatory cichlids will easily view the slender Twig Catfish as a snack or attack it.
Not recommended

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