L010 Xingu Lipbrooder Whiptail

Remarks:  The L010 Xingu lipbrooder whiptail is fairly new to the aquarium scene with very few vendors currently offering it. It was only described back in 2010 by Thomas and Sabaj who gave it the name Loricaria birindellii, naming it after Brazilian ichthyologist Dr José Luís Olivan Birindelli. The L010 Xingu lipbrooder whiptail has the typical body plan of other lipbrooder whiptails with an elongated body and an interesting looking “beard” around the mouth that is more prominent in males. What separates this whiptail from others in the Loricaria genus is their more slender shape and their notably long dorsal fin spine with an overall very tall dorsal fin. They are also a species that can develop long streamers on the dorsal and caudal fin upon maturity. Interestingly, their tall sail of a dorsal fin is not often found in juveniles showing this structure is only present upon maturity and may be more prominent in mature males. With their tail dorsal fin, beard of whiskers, and elegant streamers, the L010 Xingu lipbrooder whiptail can make quite the fascinating addition to the home aquarium.

  When the L010 Xingu lipbrooder whiptail was first discovered, it was found in the Rio Curuá, a tributary of the Rio Iriri in the lower Xingu basin of Brazil. The collectors noted the habitat they were living in consisted of clear water, a sandy substrate, moderate current, and large lateritic boulders. To bring out natural behaviors and ensure these catfish thrive in captivity, it is recommended to replicate their natural habitat. A sandy substrate will help prevent damage to their beards and soft bellies as well as give the L010 Xingu lipbrooder whiptail the option to bury themselves to hide. Rocks provide hiding spots to help these somewhat shy fish feel secure enough to venture out where you can view them. Structures like these also allow them to feed on biofilm and algae that can grow on these surfaces. This should not be their only source of food, however. A diverse, omnivorous diet should be provided to keep them healthy. L010 Xingu lipbrooder whiptails do not tolerate poor water quality and require high levels of dissolved oxygen like other whiptails. Providing heavy filtration and aeration as well as performing frequent water changes with water adjusted to their preferred soft, acidic conditions will help meet their needs in this regard.

  Whiptails are typically peaceful fish aside from territory battles amongst males, and the L010 Xingu lipbrooder whiptail is no exception. They can do well with almost any fish that prefers the same parameters as them. The only exceptions would be fish that are territorial towards other bottom dwellers, nippy fish that would nip off their trailers, and aggressive fish that might attack them. There are no reports of them damaging plants so they can be a great addition to a planted tank. L010 Xingu lipbrooder whiptails can be a rare and unique member of a community tank or a worthy challenge for those looking to breed them.

  Species belonging to the Loricaria genus have a rather fascinating way of caring for their offspring. After mating, the male whiptail gathers up the eggs in his whiskers to hold onto. He will aerate the eggs with his mouth parts, keeping them healthy and safe until the fry hatch and are free swimming when he releases them. In captivity, the fry are very sensitive to change and are prone to starvation so small, frequent water changes should be performed and lots of nutritious food provided. These are not a species that spawn readily in captivity so if one managed to breed these elegant fish it is a true accomplishment.