Cat-eLog Right Loricariidae Right Hypostominae Right Pterygoplichthys  |  | 

Down Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name Pterygoplichthys ambrosettii  (Holmberg, 1893)
Common Names Snow King Pleco
Snesugemalle (Denmark)
Type Locality Río Paraguay, in front of Formosa.
Synonym(s) Glyptoperichthys anisitsi, Liposarcus anisitsi
Pronunciation terry gop LICK thees - am bro set eye
Etymology Greek, pterygion, diminutive of pteryx = wing, fin + Greek, hoplon = weapon + Greek, ichthys = fish. 
Down Species Information
Size 400mm or 15.7" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
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).

The common name, ''snow-king'' pleco comes from the fishes vivid greenish white patterning on a dark background.
Sexing Unknown
Down Habitat Information
Distribution Argentina & Paraguay: Rio Paraguay.
La Plata, Paraná, Paraguay (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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IUCN Red List Category Least Concern, range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2020.
pH 6.5 - 7.5
Temperature 21.0-24.0°C or 69.8-75.2°F (Show species within this range)
Down Husbandry Information
Feeding Omnivorous and a good algae eater. User data.
Furniture Larger fish will unwittingly uproot plants. Large pipes are best for hiding places.
Compatibility Peaceful as the larger plecos go.
Suggested Tankmates Almost any medium sized community fish.
Breeding Commercially bred in large outdoor ponds in Florida, US.
Breeding Reports There is no breeding report.
Down Further Information
Reference Revista del Jardin Zoológico de Buenos Ayres v. 1 (no. 12), pp354.
Registered Keepers There are 4 registered keepers, view all "my cats" data.
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There are 2 wishes to keep this species, see who wants what.
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There are 3 records of this fish being seen, view them all.
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Last Update 2020 Nov 08 06:33 (species record created: 2001 May 05 00:00)