
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Sturisomatichthys aureus
A medium-sized catfish with a slender body and a long, drawn-out snout. The golden sheen over its body gives the specific name, and it lives in the Magdalena and neighbouring basins in Colombia. It grazes algae and is sensitive to sudden water changes and low oxygen.
Sturisomatichthys aureus is a loricariid catfish of the subfamily Loricariinae, endemic to the Magdalena, San Jorge and Cesar basins in Colombia. It has a slender body and a long, drawn-out snout, and the golden sheen over its body gives the specific name aureus, Latin for gold. FishBase records 20cm standard length and gives pH 6.0-8.0, 5-19dH and 25-29C. It feeds mainly on algae, rasping growth from driftwood, glass and plant leaves. The fish is still traded under the old name Sturisoma aureum, and the Wikimedia Commons category also uses that spelling. The IUCN assesses it as Data Deficient and it is not listed by CITES. Like the related genus Farlowella in the same subfamily it is regarded as sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry and to low oxygen.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Royal Farlowella grows to 18-20cm.
The ideal temperature for the Royal Farlowella is 25〜29℃.
Origin
South America (Magdalena, San Jorge and Cesar basins, Colombia)
Size
18-20cm
Temperature
25〜29℃
Algae, vegetable matter such as spirulina and greens, and sinking wafers
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Sturisomatichthys aureus (Steindachner, 1900)
Synonyms: Sturisoma aureum, Loricaria aurea
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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It reaches 20cm standard length and needs width to match its elongated body. Add driftwood branches, vertical twigs and slender plant stems for it to rest against, and keep the water well aerated.
FishBase gives 25-29C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 5-19dH. It reacts badly to sudden changes, so make small, frequent water changes.
No reliable primary source on this species' own compatibility could be confirmed. It is a quiet, plant-grazing bottom fish, so choose tankmates that will not outcompete it at feeding time.
Largely herbivorous. Besides algae, offer spirulina tablets, blanched spinach and cucumber. A diet dominated by meaty foods does not suit it.
No primary source on captive breeding of this species could be confirmed.
The IUCN assesses it as Data Deficient and it is not listed by CITES. It is also sold under the old name Sturisoma aureum, so watch for inconsistent scientific names when buying.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Royal Farlowella is 25〜29℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Royal Farlowella typically reaches 18-20cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Royal Farlowella feeds on: Algae, vegetable matter such as spirulina and greens, and sinking wafers. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Royal Farlowella varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026