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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: twig catfish

Synonyms and Other Names: Farlowella agustini, F. angosturae, F. guaricensis, F. roncallii (Retzer and Page 1997; Ferraris 2003); aguja, agujeta (Ferraris).

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Stick catfishes are unlike any fish native to North America. An identification key to Farlowella was presented in Retzer and Page (1997).

Size: to 22.5 cm SL (Retzer and Page 1997).

Native Range: South America. Farlowella vittata is found in the Orinoco River Basin in Colombia and Venezuela (Retzer and Page, 1997; Froese and Pauly, 2012).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Stick catfish are found in slow moving rivers and streams (Covain and Fisch-Muller, 2007).  Aquarium information suggests keeping this species in a dimly lit, well-oxygenated stream set-up with a sand substrate, rocks, and lots of branches. The species prefers temperatures of 75–80 °F (SeriouslyFish, 2012d).

Stick catfishes, along with most other loricariid catfishes, feed primarily on algae and detritus. Species of Farlowella primarily inhabit slow moving rivers and streams, camoflaged among submerged sticks and leaves (Covain and Fisch-Muller, 2007). Farlowella exhibits some degree of parental care in reproduction, with males guarding eggs deposited on open vertical surfaces including submerged vegetation or rocks (Burgess, 1989, Covain and Fisch-Muller, 2007). Eggs hatch in 6–10 days (SeriouslyFish, 2012d).

Means of Introduction: Aquarium release.

Status: Unknown. A failed introduction if only a single individual was released. However, given the cryptic appearance of this fish, more collections should be made to determine if more individuals are present.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: Farlowella vittata, along with F. acus and F. gracilis, is commonly found in the aquarium trade.

References: (click for full references)

Burgess, W.E. 1989. An atlas of freshwater and marine catfishes: a preliminary survey of the Siluriformes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc, Neptune City, NJ.

Covain, R., and S. Fisch-Muller. 2007. The genera of the Neotropical armored catfish subfamily Loricariinae (Siluriformes: Loricariidae): a practical key and synopsis. Zootaxa 1642:1-40.

Ferraris, C.J., Jr. 2003. Subfamily Loricariinae (Armored catfishes). Pages 330-350 in Reis, R.E., S.O. Kullander, and C.J. Ferraris, Jr, eds. Checklist of the freshwater fishes of South and Central America. EDIPUCRS. Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Froese, R. and D. Pauly (eds). 2012. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. Available from: http://www.fishbase.org.  Version (08/2012).

Retzer, M.E., and L.M. Page 1997. Systematics of the stick catfishes, Farlowella Eigenmann & Eigenmann (Pisces, Loricariidae). Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 147:33-88.

SeriouslyFish. 2012d. Farlowella vittata Twig Catfish. Available from:  http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/farlowella-vittata/ Accessed 3/26/2013.

Other Resources:

Author: Matthew Neilson, and Pam Fuller

Peer Review Date: 8/7/2013

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.