L007 RINELORICARIA HASEMANI

L007 Rineloricaria hasemani – Care Guide

Common Name: Hasemani Whiptail Catfish
Scientific Name: Rineloricaria hasemani
L-Number: L007
Origin: Amazon and Tocantins River basins, Brazil

Overview

The L007 Rineloricaria hasemani is a slender, peaceful whiptail catfish known for its reed-like appearance and calm disposition. With a long body, extended caudal filaments, and sandy coloration, this species blends beautifully into naturalistic tanks. It’s an ideal choice for aquarists seeking a gentle, low-maintenance bottom-dweller that thrives in planted or soft-substrate environments.

Tank Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (30+ gallons preferred for groups)

• Aquarium Type: Biotope or community tank with soft substrate and live plants

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel

• Decor:

  • Driftwood and leaf litter for natural cover

  • Smooth stones or slate pieces for resting

  • Moderate to dense plant growth or floating plants for shade

• Water Flow: Low to moderate; gentle current preferred

• Lighting: Low to moderate—prefers dim or shaded areas

These fish are bottom-dwellers and prefer to glide across surfaces and burrow slightly into soft substrate.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.2 (slightly acidic to neutral)

• Hardness: 2–10 dGH

• Water Quality:

  • Sensitive to ammonia and nitrites—maintain strong biological filtration

  • Weekly water changes of 25–40%

  • Keep nitrates low (<20 ppm)

These catfish are adapted to clean, slightly acidic waters—mimic this in your aquarium to keep them healthy and active.

Diet and Feeding

• Feeding Type: Omnivore with a preference for plant-based and protein-rich bottom foods

• Staple Foods:

  • Sinking catfish pellets

  • Algae wafers

  • Blanched vegetables (cucumber, zucchini, spinach)

• Protein Additions:

  • Frozen or live bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia

  • Repashy blends like “Bottom Scratcher” or “Soilent Green”

• Feeding Tips:

  • Feed at night or in low-light settings when they are more active

  • Scatter food near their preferred hiding spots

They are slow eaters—avoid housing them with aggressive or greedy feeders that outcompete them.

Behavior and Tankmates

• Temperament: Very peaceful, shy, and social

• Social Grouping: Can be kept singly or in small groups (3–6 is ideal)

• Compatibility:

  • Excellent with small, non-aggressive fish: tetras, rasboras, peaceful dwarf cichlids, Corydoras

  • Avoid nippy species or large predatory tankmates

They enjoy lounging in groups and often remain motionless during the day, becoming more active in subdued lighting.

Breeding

• Breeding Difficulty: Moderate

• Requirements:

  • Slight temperature drop and increased water changes to simulate rainy season

  • Provide narrow tubes or PVC pipes as breeding caves

• Spawning Behavior:

  • Males clean and guard the breeding site

  • Females lay eggs inside, and the male tends to them until they hatch

• Fry Care:

  • Feed powdered algae wafers or baby brine shrimp

  • Maintain soft water and pristine tank conditions

Breeding is more likely in species-only tanks with stable conditions and minimal disturbance.

Common Health Issues

• Risk Factors:

  • Injuries from rough substrate

  • Starvation in competitive community tanks

  • Stress from frequent handling or sudden environmental changes

• Prevention Tips:

  • Use soft sand to protect delicate undersides

  • Provide sufficient hiding areas

  • Quarantine new additions to avoid disease introduction

Rineloricaria hasemani are hardy when kept in stable, naturalistic setups with plenty of rest zones.

Quick Care Sheet

Summary

The L007 Rineloricaria hasemani is a graceful and gentle species that fits perfectly in calm, well-decorated aquariums. With its unique twig-like body and peaceful nature, it’s both a conversation piece and a low-maintenance addition to planted or softwater setups. Keep the environment stress-free, offer a balanced diet, and this whiptail catfish will thrive quietly in your aquarium for years to come.