Red lizard whiptail

Red lizard whiptails grow to around 11cm in length and are a captivating bottom-dwelling catfish whose slender, elongated body and intricate red-and-brown patterning genuinely resembles a miniature lizard resting on the riverbed. They are a seldom-seen gem that rewards the observant fishkeeper.

Special requirements: Red lizard whiptails are territorial with their own kind and should be kept one to a tank or in a well-spaced group with plenty of territory to go around. They appreciate caves and sheltered hiding spots, lengths of bamboo, narrow ceramic tubes or driftwood hollows all work well. A sandy substrate lets them exhibit their natural foraging behaviour, and moderate flow is welcome. They are otherwise peaceful towards fish of different body shapes.

Diet: Red lizard whiptails are omnivores. At Wirral Aquatics we feed ours EBO Pro Soft Artemia, alongside algae wafers and blanched vegetables such as courgette. They also enjoy live food such as daphnia and baby brine shrimp.