Longnose Twig Catfish (Farlowella gracilis)

Farlowella needle-nose (Twig) Catfish are long, slender, armored bottom-dwellers from South America, characterized by their elongated, twig-like bodies for camouflage and a pronounced rostrum (nose). They are primarily brown or olive-green with dark bands, and males develop small bristles (odontodes) on their snouts when mature, while females have smoother, thinner noses. These peaceful algae-eaters are best suited for a well-planted aquarium with driftwood, good water flow, and other peaceful tank mates. Physical Characteristics Body Shape: Extremely long and slender, resembling a twig or stick for camouflage in their natural habitat. Nose: A pronounced rostrum (snout) that is elongated, sometimes as long as the rest of the body is wide. Coloration: Generally olive-green to brown, often with a distinct, irregular dark band extending from the head to the tail. Fins: Transparent fins with dark-spotted rays. Sexual Dimorphism: Males have broader snouts with small, bristly odontodes (whiskers) when mature; females have thinner, smooth snouts.