PlanetCatfish.com - Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus (Loricariidae) Cat-eLog

Rio Apure, 97.2mm SL (ANSP198484)
Preserved specimen

Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name	**Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus** (Hancock, 1828)
Common Names	Orinoco Sailfin Catfish Sejlfinnet Sugemalle (Denmark), Vielgepunkteter Schilderwels (Germany)
Type Locality	[Probably near Santa Catalina, Orinoco system], Demerara, Guyana.
Synonym(s)	Ancistrus multiradiatus, Hypostomus multiradiatus, Liposarcus multiradiatus
Pronunciation	terry gop LICK thees
Etymology	Greek, pterygion, diminutive of pteryx = wing, fin + Greek, hoplon = weapon + Greek, ichthys = fish. Multiradiatus in reference to the number of rays in the dorsal rays (it was originally described as a species in Hypostomus, which normally has 8 rays in the dorsal fin).
Species Information
Size	500mm or 19.7" 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).
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: Orinoco River basin. Reported from Argentina. Introduced and established in Taiwan, mainland USA and Hawaii. Orinoco (click on these areas to find other species found there) Login to view the map.
IUCN Red List Category	Least Concern , range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2020.
pH	6.5 - 7.8
Temperature	23.0-27.0°C or 73.4-80.6°F (Show species within this range)
Husbandry Information
Feeding	Omnivorous and a good algae eater, especially when young. User data.
Suggested Tankmates	Almost any medium sized community fish.
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.
Breeding Reports	There is no breeding report.
Further Information
Reference	Zoological Journal, London v. 4, pp 246.
Registered Keepers	There are 13 registered keepers, view all "my cats" data.
Wishlists	Love this species? Click the heart to add it to your wish list. There are 2 wishes to keep this species, see who wants what.
Spotters	Spotted this species somewhere? Click the binoculars! There are 4 records of this fish being seen, view them all.
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	LFS label creator ARN ref:1.4.6.1967
Last Update	2025 Jan 01 12:10 (species record created: 2002 Sep 25 00:00)