Fin's Fish Guide
The Stewart's whiptail catfish (Rineloricaria stewarti) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Northern South America, in clear, fast-flowing forest streams with sandy and rocky bottoms.
Description
Rineloricaria stewarti is a small armoured suckermouth catfish (family Loricariidae) of northern South America. The species reaches about 10 cm and has an elongate, flattened body tapering into a thin whip-like tail and covered with bony plates. The sucker-like lower mouth serves to scrape growth from stones and to anchor against the current. It lives on the bottom of clear, fast-flowing forest creeks with sandy-rocky substrate, alongside species such as Corydoras and small tetras. Its diet consists of algae, aufwuchs and detritus. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Stewart's whiptail catfish?
The Stewart's whiptail catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Armoured suckermouth catfish with an elongate body and whip-like tail; grazes biofilm from stones.
Where does the Stewart's whiptail catfish live?
The Stewart's whiptail catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northern South America, in clear, fast-flowing forest streams with sandy and rocky bottoms.
How big does the Stewart's whiptail catfish get?
The Stewart's whiptail catfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Stewart's whiptail catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Stewart's whiptail catfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Stewart's whiptail catfish edible?
The Stewart's whiptail catfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Rineloricaria
More from the family Loricariidae
Want the complete picture on the Stewart's whiptail catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Stewart's whiptail catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.