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Farlowella mariaelenae Martín Salazar, 1964

Image contributors to this species:

Yann Fulliquet (1) Andreas Zapata (2)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

Can be told apart from the similar looking F. vittata by the thinner rostrum. Aquarium Care: Not an easy catfish to keep as there have been many unexplained deaths attributed to this species (and other Farlowella) and as such would need dedicated care from an experienced catfish keeper who has worked with this species or its close cousins from the easier kept Sturisoma genera. As this is a very timid species, if housed with other inhabitants you would be better keeping away from boisterous fish such as some of the Barb species (such as tigers) and definitely Cichlids. Better companions would be the unobtrusive Corydoras species and small Characins or Rasboras. Needs a high oxygen content in the aquarium with regular water changes to keep the water in pristine condition. Prefers a dark substrate with a dense vegetation, floating and long leaved plants where they will hang on to. Diet: They are mostly vegetarian with algae being their number one source of food for adults and young fry so the above mentioned foods along with vegetable laden tablets should suffice. Etymology: The specific name mariaelenae: In honour of Martín Salazar’s “great companion” (translation) and wife, María Elena.

Common Name:

None

Synonyms:

None

Family:

Loricariidae

Distribution:

South America: Western Orinoco River basin and possibly Caribbean coastal rivers.

Size:

17.0cm (6¾is)

Temp:

24-27°c (75-81°f.)

p.H.

6.0-7.0.

IUCN Red List

This species has a wide distribution in the Orinoco basin, including in well preserved habitats and in protected areas. Nevertheless, in various sectors of piedmonts in Orinoco basin there is an accelerated process of depauperation of the rivers and their surroundings, which should be considered in the future. At present, this species is assessed as Least Concern (IUCN 2021).

Reference:

Ferraris, C.J. Jr., 2003. Loricariidae - Loricariinae (Armored catfishes). p. 330-350. In R.E. Reis, S.O. Kullander and C.J. Ferraris, Jr. (eds.) Checklist of the Freshwater Fishes of South and Central America. Porto Alegre EDIPUCRS, Brasil.
Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2019. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, ( 12/2019 ).
Rodríguez-Olarte, D., DoNascimiento, CD, Taphorn, D.C., Usma, S., Villa-Navarro, F. & Herrera-Collazos, E.E. 2021. Farlowella mariaelenae. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021.
The ETYFish Project Fish Name Etymology Database © Christopher Scharpf.

Family: Loricariidae Back to Ident-A-Cat Click on Thumbnails

Farlowella mariaelenae

Farlowella mariaelenae
Pair-male to rear

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