The genus Pterygoplichthys - PlanetCatfish.com

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. 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 riverbank in which the eggs are laid and guarded. The egg mass of bright orange eggs contains thousands of eggs.

Size

Smallest 197mm, largest 500mm, average 368mm, most commonly 400mm. All SL.

Species

There are 23 "species" in the database

Keepers

16 species (69%) are being kept by registered keepers

New spp. / time