Stick Catfish / Common Farlowella (Farlowella acus)

A unique suckermouth catfish that truly lives up to its common name, the Stick Catfish or Common Farlowella is an algae and biofilm grazing species found throughout much of the Amazon and Orinoco basins. In the wild, their twig-like appearance is effective camouflage against predators and allows them to graze on sunken tree branches and driftwood. In the aquarium, they are usually active and outgoing algae grazers that do a great job with diatoms and hair algae both on the glass and on decor. Safe for planted aquaria, they are compatible with nearly any tankmates. When kept in optimal conditions, this species will spawn readily in the aquarium, often on the glass or other vertical flat surfaces.