Currently
we obtain very nice Rineloricaria lanceolata from Paraguay. This
species of whiptail catfish is very variable in respect of coloration.
Almost all colours from deep dark brown (almost black) to a light
clay-brown can be observed.
It
was back in the 1980ies that a brick-red sport of whiptail catfish
appeared in the former GDR. The real origin of the fish stays a mystery,
but it was possible to cross it with R. lanceolata. The strains that
exist nowadays are most probably all hybrids. The initial red whiptail
catfish belonged most probably to another species than R. lanceolata
(see Evers & Seidel, Wels-Atlas, Vol. 1: 694, for details). So it is
very interesting that among our recently imported wild collected fish
is one red male! The animal was given (along with some conspecifics of
the same importation) to a breeder. We will see if it is possible to
establish another, pure bred, red strain. However, Rineloricaria
lanceolata is somewhat feared by breeders, because many males are bad
fathers that prefer to eat the spawn.
For our customers: R. lanceolata has code 288503 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
