Red Lizard Whiptail (L010a)

The red lizard whiptail is one of the whiptail forms aquarists most often come across. Its origin is unknown: the first fry are thought to have appeared in the former East Germany in the 1970s, and the common belief is that it may be a color form or hybrid derived from R. lanceolata. Because the number L010 was given to another species, this fish is referred to as "L010a".

Adults reach 10–11 cm. The red tones vary from fish to fish; its care and breeding are very easy. The male guards the eggs laid inside the tube until the fry hatch.

• 60 liters for a pair or a small group.
• Soft sand, roots and tubes 2–3 cm in diameter for breeding.
• 23–25°C, clean and well-oxygenated water; gentle flow.

Omnivorous. Sinking tablets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and blanched vegetables can be given. Make sure the food reaches the bottom. Feeding just before the lights go out works well.

Calm and peaceful; it does not harm other fish, shrimp or plants.

Good companions: Small tetras, rasboras, corydoras, otocinclus, shrimp.

Avoid: Cichlids that claim the bottom, fin-nipping fish; other Rineloricaria species, to prevent hybridization.