Summary of Pterygoplichthys |
Pronounced |
terry gop LICK thees |
Etymology |
Greek, pterygion, diminutive of pteryx = wing, fin + Greek, hoplon = weapon + Greek, ichthys = fish. |
Identification |
Pterygoplichthys can be identified by the number of rays in the dorsal fin. Ten or more dorsal rays (usually 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). |
Feeding |
Omnivorous and a good algae eater, especially when young. |
Tankmates |
Almost any medium sized community fish. |
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. |
Breeding |
Unreported in captivity, in nature, the male fish occupies a tunnel in soft river bank in which the eggs are laid and guarded. The egg mass of bright orange eggs contains thousands of eggs. |
Size |
Smallest 197mm, largest 700mm, average 381mm, most commonly 500mm. All SL. |
Species |
There are 23 "species" in the database |
Keepers |
16 species (69%) are being kept by registered keepers |
New spp. / time |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1750 | 1770 | 1790 | 1810 | 1830 | 1850 | 1870 | 1890 | 1910 | 1930 | 1950 | 1970 | 1990 | 2010 |
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Distribution |
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