{"product_id":"toothpick-fish","title":"Toothpick Fish","description":"\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"169enlf\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"39\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eToothpick Fish (\u003cem data-start=\"21\" data-end=\"38\"\u003eFarlowella acus\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"41\" data-end=\"361\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"45\" data-end=\"63\"\u003eToothpick Fish\u003c\/strong\u003e is a fascinating and unusual freshwater catfish renowned for its incredibly slender body, elongated snout, and incredible camouflage abilities. Often described as a “twig catfish”, this peaceful species is a perfect choice for aquarists looking to add something truly unique to a planted aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"363\" data-end=\"640\"\u003eWith its long, stick-like body and natural brown, grey, and olive colouring, the Toothpick Fish closely resembles a piece of driftwood or a submerged branch. This remarkable adaptation allows it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, helping it avoid predators in the wild.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"642\" data-end=\"955\"\u003eDespite their unusual appearance, Toothpick Fish are peaceful, gentle creatures that spend most of their time attached to surfaces such as wood, rocks, and aquarium glass. They use their sucker-like mouth to graze on natural biofilm and algae, making them fascinating to watch as they slowly explore the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"957\" data-end=\"1284\"\u003eNative to South America, particularly areas of the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1008\" data-end=\"1044\"\u003eAmazon and Orinoco river systems\u003c\/strong\u003e, Toothpick Fish inhabit slow-moving rivers, flooded forests, and streams with abundant vegetation and submerged branches. These environments are rich in driftwood, leaf litter, and natural algae growth, which provide both food and shelter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1286\" data-end=\"1289\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"11dbwzz\" data-start=\"1291\" data-end=\"1323\"\u003e🌿 Why Choose Toothpick Fish?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1325\" data-end=\"1753\"\u003e🪵 Incredible twig-like appearance and camouflage ability\u003cbr data-start=\"1382\" data-end=\"1385\"\u003e🌿 Perfect addition to heavily planted aquariums\u003cbr data-start=\"1433\" data-end=\"1436\"\u003e🐟 Extremely peaceful community species\u003cbr data-start=\"1475\" data-end=\"1478\"\u003e✨ One of the most unusual freshwater catfish available\u003cbr data-start=\"1532\" data-end=\"1535\"\u003e🧹 Naturally grazes on algae and biofilm\u003cbr data-start=\"1575\" data-end=\"1578\"\u003e🌱 Complements natural aquascapes with wood and plants\u003cbr data-start=\"1632\" data-end=\"1635\"\u003e💚 Gentle nature suitable for peaceful community tanks\u003cbr data-start=\"1689\" data-end=\"1692\"\u003e🏆 A fantastic alternative to traditional algae-eating fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1755\" data-end=\"1758\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"19lgoj1\" data-start=\"1760\" data-end=\"1782\"\u003e📏 Care Requirements\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1784\" data-end=\"2381\"\u003e🧬 \u003cstrong data-start=\"1787\" data-end=\"1807\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"1808\" data-end=\"1825\"\u003eFarlowella acus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1825\" data-end=\"1828\"\u003e📛 \u003cstrong data-start=\"1831\" data-end=\"1847\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toothpick Fish, Twig Catfish, Whiptail Catfish\u003cbr data-start=\"1894\" data-end=\"1897\"\u003e🏠 \u003cstrong data-start=\"1900\" data-end=\"1914\"\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 80L+ recommended for an adult or small group\u003cbr data-start=\"1959\" data-end=\"1962\"\u003e📏 \u003cstrong data-start=\"1965\" data-end=\"1980\"\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 15–20cm\u003cbr data-start=\"2002\" data-end=\"2005\"\u003e🌡️ \u003cstrong data-start=\"2009\" data-end=\"2025\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22–28°C\u003cbr data-start=\"2033\" data-end=\"2036\"\u003e⚗️ \u003cstrong data-start=\"2039\" data-end=\"2052\"\u003epH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003cbr data-start=\"2060\" data-end=\"2063\"\u003e💧 \u003cstrong data-start=\"2066\" data-end=\"2085\"\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard water (2–15 dGH)\u003cbr data-start=\"2126\" data-end=\"2129\"\u003e🧘 \u003cstrong data-start=\"2132\" data-end=\"2148\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very peaceful\u003cbr data-start=\"2162\" data-end=\"2165\"\u003e🍽️ \u003cstrong data-start=\"2169\" data-end=\"2178\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Algae, biofilm, blanched vegetables, spirulina wafers, sinking algae pellets, and occasional frozen foods\u003cbr data-start=\"2284\" data-end=\"2287\"\u003e👥 \u003cstrong data-start=\"2290\" data-end=\"2305\"\u003eGroup Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can be kept singly, in pairs, or small groups if enough space is provided\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2383\" data-end=\"2386\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"xdmg9n\" data-start=\"2388\" data-end=\"2407\"\u003e🏡 Aquarium Setup\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2409\" data-end=\"2517\"\u003eToothpick Fish thrive in mature, well-established aquariums that replicate their natural river environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2519\" data-end=\"2552\"\u003eAn ideal aquarium should include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2554\" data-end=\"2719\"\u003e🌿 Dense planting\u003cbr data-start=\"2571\" data-end=\"2574\"\u003e🪵 Plenty of driftwood\u003cbr data-start=\"2596\" data-end=\"2599\"\u003e🪨 Smooth rocks\u003cbr data-start=\"2614\" data-end=\"2617\"\u003e🍂 Natural leaf litter\u003cbr data-start=\"2639\" data-end=\"2642\"\u003e💧 Gentle water movement\u003cbr data-start=\"2666\" data-end=\"2669\"\u003e🌱 Mature surfaces with algae and biofilm growth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2721\" data-end=\"2956\"\u003eDriftwood is especially important, as Toothpick Fish naturally spend much of their time resting on submerged branches. They use their camouflage to remain almost invisible while grazing on the natural organisms growing across the wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2958\" data-end=\"3138\"\u003eA \u003cstrong data-start=\"2960\" data-end=\"2983\"\u003esoft sand substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e is recommended, although smooth fine gravel can also be suitable. Sharp substrates should be avoided as they may damage the delicate body of this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3140\" data-end=\"3303\"\u003eExcellent filtration and regular water changes are essential. Toothpick Fish are sensitive to poor water quality, particularly elevated ammonia and nitrate levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3305\" data-end=\"3308\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"9fco7p\" data-start=\"3310\" data-end=\"3328\"\u003e🐠 Compatibility\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3330\" data-end=\"3414\"\u003eToothpick Fish are exceptionally peaceful and work well in calm community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3416\" data-end=\"3444\"\u003eSuitable tank mates include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3446\" data-end=\"3582\"\u003e✅ Small tetras\u003cbr data-start=\"3460\" data-end=\"3463\"\u003e✅ Rasboras\u003cbr data-start=\"3473\" data-end=\"3476\"\u003e✅ Corydoras\u003cbr data-start=\"3487\" data-end=\"3490\"\u003e✅ Peaceful gouramis\u003cbr data-start=\"3509\" data-end=\"3512\"\u003e✅ Small livebearers\u003cbr data-start=\"3531\" data-end=\"3534\"\u003e✅ Other peaceful catfish\u003cbr data-start=\"3558\" data-end=\"3561\"\u003e✅ Freshwater shrimp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3584\" data-end=\"3608\"\u003eAvoid keeping them with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3610\" data-end=\"3792\"\u003e❌ Aggressive cichlids\u003cbr data-start=\"3631\" data-end=\"3634\"\u003e❌ Large predatory fish\u003cbr data-start=\"3656\" data-end=\"3659\"\u003e❌ Fin-nipping species\u003cbr data-start=\"3680\" data-end=\"3683\"\u003e❌ Boisterous fish that compete heavily for food\u003cbr data-start=\"3730\" data-end=\"3733\"\u003e❌ Large plecos that may outcompete them for grazing areas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3794\" data-end=\"3889\"\u003eTheir slow movements and gentle nature mean they are best kept with similarly peaceful species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3891\" data-end=\"3894\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"12701it\" data-start=\"3896\" data-end=\"3921\"\u003e🍽️ Feeding \u0026amp; Behaviour\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3923\" data-end=\"4066\"\u003eAlthough often purchased as an algae eater, Toothpick Fish require a varied diet and should not be expected to survive on aquarium algae alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4068\" data-end=\"4094\"\u003eTheir diet should include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4096\" data-end=\"4290\"\u003e🌿 Spirulina-based wafers\u003cbr data-start=\"4121\" data-end=\"4124\"\u003e🥒 Blanched courgette and cucumber\u003cbr data-start=\"4158\" data-end=\"4161\"\u003e🥬 Soft vegetables\u003cbr data-start=\"4179\" data-end=\"4182\"\u003e🟢 Algae tablets\u003cbr data-start=\"4198\" data-end=\"4201\"\u003e🪵 Natural biofilm from mature driftwood\u003cbr data-start=\"4241\" data-end=\"4244\"\u003e🦐 Occasional frozen foods such as bloodworm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4292\" data-end=\"4406\"\u003eThey are most active during the evening and nighttime, often slowly moving around the aquarium searching for food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4408\" data-end=\"4568\"\u003eBecause they are naturally camouflaged, they may appear to “disappear” within a planted aquarium. This is completely normal and part of their natural behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"4570\" data-end=\"4573\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"1sc4ih8\" data-start=\"4575\" data-end=\"4595\"\u003e⚠️ Important Notes\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4597\" data-end=\"4777\"\u003eToothpick Fish are best suited to \u003cstrong data-start=\"4631\" data-end=\"4651\"\u003emature aquariums\u003c\/strong\u003e rather than newly set-up tanks. Young or unstable aquariums often lack the natural biofilm and grazing surfaces they require.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4779\" data-end=\"4883\"\u003eThey are more delicate than many common algae-eating catfish and can struggle if water quality declines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4885\" data-end=\"5094\"\u003eAvoid handling Toothpick Fish unless necessary, as their slender bodies are easily injured. If moving them, use a container rather than a traditional net, as their long spines and body shape can become caught.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5096\" data-end=\"5255\"\u003eUnlike many plecos, Toothpick Fish are not aggressive or territorial and can often be kept in groups when provided with enough hiding places and feeding areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5257\" data-end=\"5385\"\u003eWith the correct setup, they are a fascinating centrepiece species that brings a unique natural appearance to planted aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"J\u0026K","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58428789358973,"sku":null,"price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0602\/4983\/3648\/files\/Gemini_Generated_Image_kraitdkraitdkrai.png?v=1784715936","url":"https:\/\/www.snuffleandswim.com\/products\/toothpick-fish","provider":"Snuffle and Swim","version":"1.0","type":"link"}