Farlowella Twig Catfish (Farlowella acus)

Description

Farlowella Twig Catfish (Farlowella acus)

Delicate, fascinating and unlike any other aquarium fish, the Farlowella Twig Catfish is a true master of camouflage. Its incredibly slender, stick-like body allows it to blend seamlessly among driftwood and aquatic plants, making it one of the most unique and rewarding species for peaceful, mature planted aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Farlowella acus
  • Common name: Farlowella Twig Catfish, Twig Catfish
  • Current size: Approximately 8–10 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 18–20 cm
  • Tank size: 120L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟡 Moderate to Advanced
  • Temperament: Extremely peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish
  • Social needs: Can be kept singly or in peaceful groups

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You appreciate unusual and highly natural-looking fish.
  • You have a mature planted aquarium with excellent water quality.
  • You enjoy observing calm, slow-moving species.
  • You can provide biofilm, driftwood and specialised feeding.

❌ Avoid if:

  • Your aquarium is newly established or still cycling.
  • You keep aggressive or highly active fish.
  • You expect the fish to survive solely on algae.
  • You cannot provide stable, well-oxygenated water.

Why choose Farlowella Twig Catfish?

The Farlowella Twig Catfish is one of nature's most remarkable examples of camouflage. Its elongated body, pointed snout and slender profile closely resemble a floating twig, allowing it to disappear among branches and driftwood almost instantly.

Native to slow-moving South American rivers, this species spends much of its day resting motionless on wood, plant stems or aquarium glass while gently grazing on biofilm and soft algae. Unlike many active catfish, the Twig Catfish brings a calm, almost tranquil presence to the aquarium.

Although peaceful and hardy once established, Farlowellas are best suited to mature aquariums where natural biofilm is abundant and water quality remains consistently excellent.

Benefits

  • One of the most unique body shapes in the aquarium hobby
  • Exceptional natural camouflage
  • Peaceful and community friendly
  • Excellent addition to planted aquariums
  • Grazes on biofilm and soft algae
  • Ideal feature species for natural aquascapes

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–28°C
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Diet: Soft algae, biofilm, spirulina wafers, algae wafers, blanched vegetables and occasional frozen foods
  • Water: Very clean, stable and highly oxygenated
  • Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel
  • Setup: Plenty of driftwood, branches, broad-leaved plants and gentle water movement
  • Allow natural biofilm to develop before introducing Twig Catfish.
  • Supplement their diet regularly, as they cannot survive on naturally occurring algae alone.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Cardinal Tetras
  • Rummy Nose Tetras
  • Corydoras
  • Otocinclus
  • Honey Gouramis
NTA Insight:
Twig Catfish are often mistaken for pieces of driftwood—even by experienced fishkeepers. Their incredible camouflage is their primary defence in the wild. At NTA, we recommend introducing them only into mature aquariums with established biofilm, as newly set-up tanks rarely provide enough natural grazing to support healthy long-term growth.

FAQ

Are Twig Catfish good algae eaters?

They graze on soft algae and biofilm but should never be relied upon solely for algae control. They require regular feeding with algae wafers, spirulina foods, vegetables and supplementary prepared foods.

Why do they look like sticks?

Their remarkable body shape is an evolutionary adaptation that allows them to blend into submerged branches and driftwood, helping protect them from predators in the wild.

Are Twig Catfish suitable for beginners?

They are better suited to aquarists with some experience, as they require mature aquariums, consistently excellent water quality and careful feeding.

Can they live with shrimp?

Yes. Twig Catfish are exceptionally peaceful and are generally safe with adult freshwater shrimp and most dwarf shrimp species.

Do they need driftwood?

Absolutely. Driftwood provides resting surfaces, natural grazing areas and security, while also helping create the environment these fish naturally inhabit.

Can more than one Twig Catfish be kept together?

Yes. They are peaceful toward one another and can be kept in small groups when the aquarium provides adequate grazing surfaces and sufficient space.

How long do Twig Catfish live?

With excellent water quality, a mature aquarium and a varied diet, Farlowella Twig Catfish commonly live between 6 and 10 years.

Farlowella Twig Catfish (Farlowella acus)

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Out of stock,  

$100.00  $80.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Farlowella Twig Catfish (Farlowella acus)

    Delicate, fascinating and unlike any other aquarium fish, the Farlowella Twig Catfish is a true master of camouflage. Its incredibly slender, stick-like body allows it to blend seamlessly among driftwood and aquatic plants, making it one of the most unique and rewarding species for peaceful, mature planted aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Farlowella acus
    • Common name: Farlowella Twig Catfish, Twig Catfish
    • Current size: Approximately 8–10 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 18–20 cm
    • Tank size: 120L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟡 Moderate to Advanced
    • Temperament: Extremely peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish
    • Social needs: Can be kept singly or in peaceful groups

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You appreciate unusual and highly natural-looking fish.
    • You have a mature planted aquarium with excellent water quality.
    • You enjoy observing calm, slow-moving species.
    • You can provide biofilm, driftwood and specialised feeding.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • Your aquarium is newly established or still cycling.
    • You keep aggressive or highly active fish.
    • You expect the fish to survive solely on algae.
    • You cannot provide stable, well-oxygenated water.

    Why choose Farlowella Twig Catfish?

    The Farlowella Twig Catfish is one of nature's most remarkable examples of camouflage. Its elongated body, pointed snout and slender profile closely resemble a floating twig, allowing it to disappear among branches and driftwood almost instantly.

    Native to slow-moving South American rivers, this species spends much of its day resting motionless on wood, plant stems or aquarium glass while gently grazing on biofilm and soft algae. Unlike many active catfish, the Twig Catfish brings a calm, almost tranquil presence to the aquarium.

    Although peaceful and hardy once established, Farlowellas are best suited to mature aquariums where natural biofilm is abundant and water quality remains consistently excellent.

    Benefits

    • One of the most unique body shapes in the aquarium hobby
    • Exceptional natural camouflage
    • Peaceful and community friendly
    • Excellent addition to planted aquariums
    • Grazes on biofilm and soft algae
    • Ideal feature species for natural aquascapes

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–28°C
    • pH: 6.0–7.5
    • Diet: Soft algae, biofilm, spirulina wafers, algae wafers, blanched vegetables and occasional frozen foods
    • Water: Very clean, stable and highly oxygenated
    • Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel
    • Setup: Plenty of driftwood, branches, broad-leaved plants and gentle water movement
    • Allow natural biofilm to develop before introducing Twig Catfish.
    • Supplement their diet regularly, as they cannot survive on naturally occurring algae alone.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Cardinal Tetras
    • Rummy Nose Tetras
    • Corydoras
    • Otocinclus
    • Honey Gouramis
    NTA Insight:
    Twig Catfish are often mistaken for pieces of driftwood—even by experienced fishkeepers. Their incredible camouflage is their primary defence in the wild. At NTA, we recommend introducing them only into mature aquariums with established biofilm, as newly set-up tanks rarely provide enough natural grazing to support healthy long-term growth.

    FAQ

    Are Twig Catfish good algae eaters?

    They graze on soft algae and biofilm but should never be relied upon solely for algae control. They require regular feeding with algae wafers, spirulina foods, vegetables and supplementary prepared foods.

    Why do they look like sticks?

    Their remarkable body shape is an evolutionary adaptation that allows them to blend into submerged branches and driftwood, helping protect them from predators in the wild.

    Are Twig Catfish suitable for beginners?

    They are better suited to aquarists with some experience, as they require mature aquariums, consistently excellent water quality and careful feeding.

    Can they live with shrimp?

    Yes. Twig Catfish are exceptionally peaceful and are generally safe with adult freshwater shrimp and most dwarf shrimp species.

    Do they need driftwood?

    Absolutely. Driftwood provides resting surfaces, natural grazing areas and security, while also helping create the environment these fish naturally inhabit.

    Can more than one Twig Catfish be kept together?

    Yes. They are peaceful toward one another and can be kept in small groups when the aquarium provides adequate grazing surfaces and sufficient space.

    How long do Twig Catfish live?

    With excellent water quality, a mature aquarium and a varied diet, Farlowella Twig Catfish commonly live between 6 and 10 years.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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