Royal Farlowella (Sturisoma panamense)

The Royal Farlowella (Sturisoma panamense) are a species of catfish native to the rivers of South America, also reffered to whiptail catfish or twig catfish. Despite their name they are not part of the twig catfish genus of Farlowella, but instead are a part of the Sturisoma genus.
They spend most of their time attached to surfaces camouflaging into their environment and so are best suited to naturally decorated tanks with plenty of foliage to provide cover. Whilst attached to surfaces they will rasp upon the algae and scavenge for any other plant matter. Natural algae will take up most of their diet along with algae wafers, but it should still be supplemented with small frozen foods such as tubifex and daphnia, though not in large quantities.
They are a peacful, yet shy, bottom dwelling fish making them perfect for community tanks but can be easily out competed for food by more food agressive tank mates. They are best kept in groups of 3+ to increase their confidence within the tank. Due to their timid nature they are not suited for tanks containing barbs or other fast moving, boisterous fish. Other midwater fish are suitable tank mates to prevent competition for food at the lowever levels, such as tetras or danios.
Can reach up to 10" in length, though are most often seen in stores of around 2"-4" in length. The appearance of the fish has little variation between specimens, with a slender, elongated body and fins. The dorsal and caudal fins on males of the species grow longer than those of the females and when mature will develop whisker-like extensions on their heads.

Very nice article on my favourite fish