Remarks: The L010a red lizard whiptail catfish is a bit of a mystery when it comes to whiptails. This is because it is unknown where it comes from nor whether it is naturally occurring or not. As it stands, most believe them to either be hybrids or line bred variants of the similar Rineloricaria lanceolata, as all specimens available are captive bred and occasionally a fish with a more natural, brown color shows up in spawns.

Whatever their origin, the red lizard whiptail is an absolutely gorgeous species of whiptail with their colors varying between brown, orange, and red. Typically these colors show up the brightest when the fish is kept in correct water parameters with plenty of hiding spots. They also contrast nicely with green plants. Keeping lighting fairly dim will also help with making them feel safe and encourage the red lizard whiptail to come out of hiding more often. Overly boisterous or aggressive fish can frighten these timid little catfish into hiding so they should only be kept with small to medium sized, more peaceful species such as smaller Corydoradinae, tetra, and Apistogramma species.

The L010a red lizard whiptail catfish is omnivorous, feeding on insect larvae, algae, and tiny microorganisms such as copepods and daphnia in the wild. They have a very fast metabolism, so to remain healthy they must feed constantly. These facts should be taken into consideration when caring for these little catfish, providing them with a varied diet and a steady supply of food. Having lots of rocks and driftwood that facilitate algae and microorganism growth can help ensure they can graze 24/7. If cared for properly, the L010a red lizard whiptail catfish can be a great option for a small, peaceful, and even colorful whiptail catfish for a smaller South American community tank.