/loricariidae/pterygoplichthys/scrophus/1.jpg "Pterygoplichthys scrophus(1) - Click to enlarge")
/loricariidae/pterygoplichthys/scrophus/2.jpg "Pterygoplichthys scrophus(2) - Click to enlarge")
/loricariidae/pterygoplichthys/scrophus/3.jpg "Pterygoplichthys scrophus(3) - Click to enlarge")
/loricariidae/pterygoplichthys/scrophus/4.jpg "Pterygoplichthys scrophus(4) - Click to enlarge")
/loricariidae/pterygoplichthys/scrophus/5.jpg "Pterygoplichthys scrophus(5) - Click to enlarge")
/loricariidae/pterygoplichthys/scrophus/6.jpg "Pterygoplichthys scrophus(6) - Click to enlarge")
/loricariidae/pterygoplichthys/scrophus/7.jpg "Pterygoplichthys scrophus(7) - Click to enlarge")
/loricariidae/pterygoplichthys/scrophus/8.jpg "Pterygoplichthys scrophus(8) Frontal view - Click to enlarge")
/loricariidae/pterygoplichthys/scrophus/9.jpg "Pterygoplichthys scrophus(9) Ventral view - Click to enlarge")
/loricariidae/pterygoplichthys/scrophus/10.jpg "Pterygoplichthys scrophus(10) Dorsal view - Click to enlarge")
/loricariidae/pterygoplichthys/scrophus/11.jpg "Pterygoplichthys scrophus(11) Close-up of mouth - Click to enlarge")
/loricariidae/pterygoplichthys/scrophus/12.jpg "Pterygoplichthys scrophus(12) Close-up of dorsal fin - Click to enlarge")
 Cat-eLog Data Sheet | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterygoplichthys scrophus (Cope, 1874) |
| Common Name(s) | Alligator Pleco, Chocolate Pleco, Rhino Pleco |
| Type Locality | Nauta, Peru. |
| Synonym(s) | Glyptoperichthys scrophus, Liposarcus scrophus |
| Pronunciation | terry gop LICK thees - skro fuss |
| Etymology | Greek, pterygion, diminutive of pteryx = wing, fin + Greek, hoplon = weapon + Greek, ichthys = fish. Masculine form of "scrofa", which means "breeding sow". |
| Species Information | |
| Size | 275mm (10.8") 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). These plecos have large nostril two horn-like protrusions from their head that are actually nasal flutes or nostril flaps. The also have alligator-like ridges along the sides of their body. Colours range from a rich brown to black to mottled brown. |
| 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: Marañon and Ucayali River basins. Amazon, Upper Amazon, Marañón  , Ucayali (hover or click on these areas to show maps or find other species found there)Amazon, Upper Amazon, Marañón (hover or click on these areas to show maps or find other species found there) |
| pH | 6.0 - 7.6 |
| Temperature | 22.0-28.0°C or 71.6-82.4°F (Show others within this range) |
| Husbandry Information | |
| Feeding | An adaptible omnivore that will eat a variety of foods, besides being a very good algae eater, supplement diet with sinking pellet foods and algae wafers. Vegetables and freeze dried foods also accepted. |
| Furniture | All but the most robust of plants tend to be eaten or uprooted. Flat stones and bogwood are required to construct caves. Will even eat floating plants. A good pleco for the deeper aquarium. |
| Compatibility | A generally peaceful fish but can be aggressive with other bottom dwellers of similar size/species if not given sufficient room. |
| Suggested Tankmates | Almost any medium sized community fish. |
| Breeding | Unreported. |
| Further Information | |
| References | Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. v. 26 136 International exploration of freshwater No.7, vol.2 |
| Registered Keepers | (1) mikey, (2) Persephone, (3) Chrysichthys, (4) HylaChristine (p: 4), (5) Chi-Chi, (6) MisanthropeKitty, (7) Belial, (8) bluenewt, (9) joepleco, who also notes: "The hardiest of fish, keeping it it for nearly a decade, mine has better coloration being various alternating shades of chocolate,cedar,cinnamon and mocha. When I bought him?her? I picked the brightest one from the tank, and it stayed that way.", (10) Junttis, (11) corylover14 (p: 12), (12) ashik, (13) weisel, (14) joe.juice13, (15) briggadane (k: 2), (16) Tasplec, (17) doesdavid, (18) Thalan, (19) stratofish (p: 3), (20) dragonfish, (21) xander, (22) Breezer, (23) EdieBird, (24) mark woodhouse, (25) royaldragoness, (26) tezr, (27) mangopleco, who also notes: "Most peacefulfish", (28) smitty, who also notes: "Purchased at 2 inches", (29) bulldogsimon, (30) GER1023, (31) klink5, (32) NC24 (p: 2), (33) 000, (34) rayfong, (35) adrisdad, (36) Groovylad, (37) YARIS, (38) Decker504, (39) arapaimag, (40) yayfish24, (41) JFishNerd (k: 2), (42) john_d, (43) Joeka, (44) milosz, (45) blu, (46) Max Chumachenko (k: 2). 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 |
 - CotM  2011 July -
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| Hits | 33852 hits. |
| Last Update | 2012 Apr 14 12:37 (species record created: 2001 Apr 28 00:00) |
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