/loricariidae/pterygoplichthys/multiradiatus/1.jpg "Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus(1) Sub-adult - Click to enlarge")
/loricariidae/pterygoplichthys/multiradiatus/2.jpg "Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus(2) Preserved specimen - Click to enlarge")
 Cat-eLog Data Sheet | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus (Hancock, 1828) |
| Common Name(s) | None |
| Type Locality | [Probably near Santa Catalina, Orinoco system], Demerara, Guyana. |
| Pronunciation | terry gop LICK thees |
| Etymology | Greek, pterygion, diminutive of pteryx = wing, fin + Greek, hoplon = weapon + Greek, ichthys = fish. Multiradiatus in reference to the number of rays in the dorsal rays (it was originally described as a species in Hypostomus, which normally has 8 rays in the dorsal fin). |
| Species Information | |
| Size | 500mm (19.7") SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp. |
| Identification | Pterygoplichthys can be identified by the number of rays in the dorsal fin. More than 10 indicates that it's a Pterygoplichthys. Most other plecos have 8 or fewer rays (in particular the larger Hypostomus species that are most likely to be confused with Pterygoplichthys). |
| Sexing | Comparison of the genital papilla in mature fish shows the differences in the sexes to the trained eye. In males this is a small yet thick stump which noticeably protrudes from the fish's undercarriage. In females it is less obvious and is recessed or lies flat with the body. |
| Habitat Information | |
| Distribution | South America: Widespread from Orinoco River basin to Argentina. Orinoco  (hover or click on these areas to show maps or find other species found there) |
| pH | 6.5 - 7.8 |
| Temperature | 23.0-27.0°C or 73.4-80.6°F (Show others within this range) |
| Husbandry Information | |
| Suggested Tankmates | Almost any medium sized community fish. |
| Breeding | Unreported. |
| Further Information | |
| References | Zoological Journal, London v. 4 |
| Registered Keepers | (1) whitewaves, (2) Back (k: 2), (3) aerykcerin (k: 3), who also notes: "female 1 8" 11Jan2010
female 2 6.25" 11Jan2010
juv A 3" 11Jan2010
juveniles golden in color.
Will rasp on small snails kept in community take, but I have not seen them injest the snails.". Click on a username above to see all that persons registered catfish species. You can also view all "my cats" data for this species.  Add this species to your "my cats" page. |
| Breeding Reports | None. |
| More Resources |
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| Hits | 8109 hits. |
| Last Update | 2009 Dec 21 12:56 (species record created: 2002 Sep 25 00:00) |
Registered users: Arlington, Bing [Bot], excuzzzeme, Google [Bot], har_eh, steph en jess
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