Rineloricaria beni

Order: Siluriformes
Suborder: Loricarioidei
Family: Loricariidae
Subfamily: Loricariinae
Genus: Rineloricaria
Species: Rineloricaria beni, Pearson, 1924

Rineloricaria beni is a small species of the Loricariinae. They reach a maximum length of about 10 to 12 cm. They have an elongated, slender body which is typical for stickfish. The body is laterally flattened, which contributes to its streamlined shape.

The head is flattened and pointed. This helps in grazing algae and searching for food between rocks and other substrate. The mouth is subjacent and equipped with a sucker, which is typical for Loricariidae. With this sucker they can firmly attach themselves to surfaces in the stronger current.

The pectoral and pelvic fins are relatively large and help stabilize in flowing water. The caudal fin is long and thin, hence the name "whiptail catfish". The dorsal fin is triangular.

The base color ranges from light brown to gray, making them well camouflaged in their natural habitat.
They often have dark spots or stripes on their body, which form a pattern. This pattern can vary between individuals. The combination of colors and patterns provides good camouflage in their natural environment.
The fins can also have dark spots or stripes.

Like all armored catfish, the body of the Rineloricaria beni is covered with small, bony plates. These plates provide protection from predators and abrasion.
The armor plates are arranged in rows along the body, creating a pattern.

The Rineloricaria beni is a fish species that is endemic to South America, Bolivia. Here it is mainly found in the basin of the Rio Beni, a major river in Bolivia. This area is part of the Amazon basin, which means that the fish lives in a tropical climate with a high biodiversity. Although it is mainly found in Bolivia, river systems can extend and small populations may occur in adjacent areas.

They inhabit fast-flowing rivers and streams with clear, oxygen-rich water. They also prefer areas with a rocky bottom, where they can hide among the stones. The bottom consists of a mix of rocks, pebbles and sand.
They prefer areas with many hiding places, such as rock crevices, cavities under rocks and between driftwood.
The presence of aquatic plants can also provide additional hiding places.

The water in their habitat is generally warm, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 28 °C.
Water quality is crucial, with a preference for clean, oxygen-rich water with a gentle current.

The habitat of Rineloricaria beni, like that of many other South American fish, is threatened by deforestation, mining and dam construction.
These activities can lead to changes in water flow and quality, which negatively impacts fish populations.

The Rineloricaria beni grazes on aufwuchs, which is a complex mixture of algae, microorganisms and small invertebrates. So they eat small invertebrates such as insect larvae, worms and crustaceans that they find among the substrate. They also consume detritus, which is organic waste that lies on the bottom of rivers and streams.
The teeth are small and adapted to scrape algae and other fine material from surfaces.

I feed my Rineloricaria beni with many different types of food to give them a wide range of foods. It is important that the food sinks as they are bottom dwellers and only eat from the bottom. Some of the foods I feed are; EBO Spirulina tabs, EBO Insect soft granulate, Futterdose Krill soft granulate.
From the moment they lose their yolk sac I feed youngsters with EBO Spirulina paste, EBO Youngster grow paste and Futterdose Nauplien paste.

Rineloricaria beni is a small species that can be kept in an aquarium of at least 80 cm in length. It is a relatively easy fish to keep, but a well-equipped aquarium is essential for their health and well-being. Sufficient substrate is important as these fish are bottom dwellers.

The aquarium can be set up with sand or fine gravel. It is important that the substrate is clean and has no sharp edges.
In addition, the Rineloricaria beni need a lot of hiding places to feel safe. Rocks, breeding caves and driftwood can be used for this. Especially if you want to keep a group, it is important to have enough hiding places per fish.

In its natural habitat, Rineloricaria beni lives in flowing, oxygen-rich, warm water of about 24 to 28 °C. A current pump can be used to create a current in the aquarium.
Only minimal lighting above the aquarium is required, Rineloricaria beni is mainly active at night and bright light can cause stress.

Regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality. A good filter system is necessary to remove waste. It is important to regularly check the water parameters.

In general, the Rineloricaria beni is a peaceful fish that gets along well with other peaceful, small to medium-sized fish. Avoid keeping them with large, aggressive fish.
They can be kept in a group, but there should be enough hiding places to prevent conflict.
They are bottom dwellers and therefore spend most of their time on the bottom of the aquarium.

The sexual difference in Rineloricaria beni is easy to see in adult specimens. Here are some general differences;

Males tend to have a slightly more robust body structure than females.
Females, on the other hand, tend to have a slightly rounder and fuller body, especially when they are carrying eggs.

In some Rineloricaria species, including Rineloricaria beni, males develop more odontodes (small, tooth-like structures) on the head and pectoral fins. These odontodes are generally larger and more abundant in males than in females.

In females the belly area is often rounder and fuller, especially when they are carrying eggs. Sometimes the eggs are even visible in the belly.

The sex difference can be subtle and is not always easy to see, especially in young specimens.

Breeding Rineloricaria beni can be an interesting challenge. A separate breeding aquarium is recommended. The aquarium should be equipped with many hiding places, such as rocks, driftwood and a breeding cave tube.

It is important that the fish are in good condition. This can be achieved by feeding the fish a varied diet.
Optimal water quality is also important. Regular water changes with soft, slightly acidic water (pH of about 6.5 - 7.0) and a temperature of about 26 - 28 °C are crucial.

If the fish are in good condition, the male will select and clean a suitable hiding place and will attract the female to the hiding place to deposit eggs.

The female lays her eggs in the nesting hole after which the male fertilizes the eggs, then he guards them. He also ensures good water circulation over the eggs by flapping his fins. The eggs hatch after about 4 - 7 days, depending on the temperature.

The young fish live on their yolk sac for the first few days. Once the yolk sac is used up, they can be fed several times a day with, for example, pastes and small live food, such as artemia nauplii or micro worms. It is also possible to put a catappa leaf with the young fish so that they can hide under it and feel safe and can eat the film of the leaf. It is important to have excellent water quality for the development of the young fish.

Patience and a calm environment are essential when breeding this species. It is also better to separate the young after they have hatched in a floating breeding ring with an air lifter.

Pearson, N.E. (1924)
The fishes of the eastern slopes of the Andes. I. The fishes of the Rio Beni basin collected by the Mulford expedition.
Indiana University Studies, 11 (64): 1 - 83