Twig Catfish – Farlowella

The Twig Catfish is a peaceful and unusual freshwater catfish known for its extremely slender body, elongated nose, and remarkable resemblance to a small branch. Its natural camouflage and gentle behavior make it an excellent addition to a mature planted aquarium or peaceful freshwater community.

Twig Catfish spend much of their time resting on driftwood, plant leaves, rocks, and aquarium glass while grazing on soft algae and biofilm. One Twig Catfish is included.

Fish Care

Scientific Name: Farlowella species
Common Name: Twig Catfish
Care Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Approximate Adult Size: 6–8 Inches
Minimum Aquarium Size: 30 Gallons
Water Temperature: 73–79°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Water Hardness: Soft to Moderately Hard
Diet: Herbivore and Omnivore
Aquarium Level: Bottom and Aquarium Surfaces
Freshwater Only: Yes

Aquarium Requirements

Twig Catfish do best in a mature, fully cycled aquarium with stable water conditions, good oxygenation, and gentle to moderate water movement. They can be sensitive to poor water quality and sudden parameter changes.

Provide driftwood, smooth rocks, live plants, shaded areas, and plenty of surfaces where the fish can rest and graze. Driftwood is especially important because it gives the Twig Catfish natural cover and helps it feel secure.

Avoid sharp decorations that could damage its slender body or delicate barbels.

Feeding

Although Twig Catfish graze on soft algae and biofilm, naturally occurring algae should not be their only food source. Supplement their diet with quality algae wafers, spirulina-based foods, blanched zucchini, cucumber, and other aquarium-safe vegetables.

Occasional protein-rich foods may also be offered as part of a balanced diet. Place food close to the fish and monitor feeding carefully because Twig Catfish may be slow or timid eaters when housed with more active species.

Tank Mates

Twig Catfish are best kept with peaceful freshwater community species, including:

• Tetras

• Rasboras

• Corydoras

• Otocinclus

• Peaceful gouramis

• Dwarf cichlids

• Freshwater shrimp

• Freshwater snails

Avoid large, aggressive, territorial, or highly active fish that may intimidate the Twig Catfish or prevent it from feeding.

Acclimation

Keep the aquarium lights dim or turned off during acclimation. Gradually acclimate the fish to the aquarium’s temperature and water conditions, and never add shipping water to the main aquarium.

Provide a quiet environment after introduction and allow the fish time to settle. Its natural camouflage may make it difficult to locate when it rests against driftwood or plants.

Fish Quarantine

This fish will ship within a 14-day quarantine window, depending on its current stage of quarantine.

Please allow additional processing time before shipment. Tracking information will be provided once the fish has completed preparation and has been transferred to the carrier.

Why Shop With Infinity & Beyond Aquatics?

• Carefully coordinated livestock orders

• Protective insulated packaging appropriate for current weather conditions

• Priority Overnight live-animal shipping

• Support with acclimation, compatibility, feeding, and ongoing care

• Personal service from experienced aquarium keepers

Important Livestock Notice

The product photograph is representative of the fish you will receive. Natural size, coloration, pattern, and appearance may vary between individual fish.

This is a freshwater fish and must never be placed in a saltwater aquarium.