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Jump to next sectionCat-eLog > Loricariidae > Pterygoplichthys

Jump to next section 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".
Jump to next section 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.
Jump to next section Habitat Information
Distribution South America: Marañon and Ucayali River basins.
Amazon, Upper Amazon, Marañón Show it on a map , Ucayali Show it on a map  (hover or click on these areas to show maps or find other species found there)
Amazon, Upper Amazon, Marañón Show it on a map  (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)
Jump to next section 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.
Jump to next section 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).

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Breeding Reports None.
More Resources Article - CotM > 2011 > July
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Last Update 2012 Apr 14 12:37 (species record created: 2001 Apr 28 00:00)

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