Rio Atabapo Whiptail

Remarks:  One of the many whiptails possessing some truly attractive and unique patterns is the Rio Atabapo whiptail. This gorgeous species is known for their feathery mouths covered in whiskers and fascinating pattern. They have a tan, white, or gray body with a wide black band around the middle of their body, black fins, and 2 parallel black stripes that extend from the top of their head and through through each eye. The markings that pass through the eyes of the Rio Atabapo whiptail are what give it its other common name, the crying whiptail. Like all whiptails, healthy and mature individuals get elegant trailers on the tips of their caudal fins and sometimes on the dorsal fin. With such a beautiful appearance, it is easy to see why this whiptail, while uncommon, has become such a desirable species in the aquarium keeping hobby.

  Back in 2000 the first specimens of the Rio Atabapo whiptails were discovered in the Rio Atabapo in Columbia. Not long after, they caught the eye of importers and aquarium keepers alike. While it was making infrequent appearances in the hobby, it wasn't until 2023 that it finally got a formal classification as Loricaria nimairaco. It's native habitat is like that of many whiptails, rocky and sandy areas of the river with extremely well oxygenated, clean, and clear water. To have the most success keeping these fish, their wild conditions should be replicated to the best of the keeper's abilities through frequent water changes, heavy filtration, utilization of rocks and driftwood for hiding spots, and providing a substrate of soft sand.

  Furthermore, Rio Atabapo whiptails are a majorly carnivorous species so they should be fed a diet high in protein with occasional vegetables tossed in. They can be shy in the aquarium so care should be taken to ensure they get enough to eat if being kept with other fish. This shy nature and their fragile fin extensions that are vulnerable to being nipped are why tankmates should be chosen carefully with overly aggressive, boisterous, or nippy fish being avoided. Provided they have all their needs cared for, Rio Atabapo whiptails are a fascinating fish perfect for many peaceful, South American community tanks.