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Catfish
/ Loricariidae / Sailfin Plecostomus
Sailfin Plecostomus
Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps | Pictures
Synonyms: Ancistrus
gibbiceps, Chaetostomus gibbiceps, Hemiancistrus gibbiceps, Liposarcus altipinnis, L. scrophus
Physical description: It is covered everywhere but the belly with large bony plates.
The head is large, broad, and flat.
The
mouth is located on the underside of the head and is shaped like a suction cup.
It has one pair of barbels.
The
color varies depending on the age, species, and environment the individual came from.
Usually the body has a base color of
light brown to black.
The fish are usually spotted, with black spots.
The fins are the same color as the rest
of the body, but occasionally have a red to brown fringe on the edges.
The dorsal fin stands tall when erect.
Size/Length: To 20" (50 cm)
Similar species: Other Pterygoplichthys
species and spotted members of the
Hypostomus species.
Habitat: Calm, slow-moving parts.
South America; the Rio Pacaya in Peru. These fish are found in large
groups that move slowly across the riverbed.
S: bottom
Aquarium: 28" (70 cm) or 20 gallons (76 L) is suitable only for small specimens, under
5" (13 cm).
Since these fish grow to a large size, they must be eventually moved to a large, roomy
tank.
Hiding places of caves, rocks, and roots should be provided.
Leave open swimming areas.
The
Sailfin Pleco may eat plants.
Water chemistry: pH 6.5-7.8 (7.1), 4-20 dH (12), 75-86°F (24-30°C)
Social behavior: A peaceful fish that can be kept in a community tank with medium to large fish, including
cichlids.
Do not combine with small fish as they may be eaten.
The Sailfin Pleco is very aggressive
towards its own and similar looking species.
Suggested companions: South and Central American cichlids; large characins, Pimelodids, gouramis
FOOD: Algae; vegetables; spinach, lettuce, peas; live; crustaceans, prawns, worms; tablets.
Sexual differences: Unknown
Breeding techniques: Unsuccessful in captivity. Observed in fish over 12" (30 cm). They spawn in earth
cavities.
Commercially bred in Southeast Asian and Florida fish ponds in a similar manner to
L. anisitsi
.
Breeding potential: 10.
The Sailfin Pleco has not been bred in aquaria.
Remarks: If fish does not relieve enough algae or "green foods," it will nibble plants.
It
reaches larger size in wild.
An important food fish in its native countries.
This catfish grows slowly and
can be long-lived (over 15 years). There are many similar looking species that are confused with this fish. Nocturnal.
Difficulty of care: 4.
A hardy catfish that must be kept in a large tank.
Recent articles about fish
Overfishing may hurt Amazon forest trees
(2/5/2008) Overfishing is reducing the effectiveness of seed dispersal by fish in the Brazilian Pantanal, reports Nature. The research suggests that fishing practices can affect forest health.
Scientists find fish that literally lives in trees
(10/17/2007) Scientists have found a fish that literally lives in trees, according to research published in The American Naturalist and highlighted in New Scientist Magazine.
Piranhas originated when Amazon was flooded by seawater
(12/4/2007) South America's piranha family of fish -- notorious as eaters of flesh -- can be traced back to a single ancestor which dispersed when the Amazon was flooded by seawater some five million years ago, report researchers from the Institut de Recherche Pour le Developpement (IRD). Today piranhas are exclusively freshwater fish found from the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela to the Parana in Argentina.
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