Sailfin catfishes (Pterygoplichthys spp.)

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Jan Hoover
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Sailfin catfishes (Pterygoplichthys spp.)

Post by Jan Hoover »

Two species of sailfin catfishes are established in Florida: Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus and P. multiradiatus.
What are the best characters for distinguishing the two ?
Can small specimens (< 50 mm) be identified to species ?
How does biology of the two differ ?

Thanks very much for your help.

- Jan
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Silurus
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Post by Silurus »

I believe the difference is solely in the color:

According to the key in Weber,
"Livrée constituée de points sombres ou pâles, souvent coalescents, et de vermiculations, dessin géométrique sur la tête" gets you L. disjunctivus (& L. pardalis), while "Livrée constituée exclusivement de points sombres, rarement coalescents, et de vermiculations, sans dessin géométrique sur la tête" gets you L/ multiradiatus.
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Post by Jools »

Silurus wrote:"Livrée constituée de points sombres ou pâles, souvent coalescents, et de vermiculations, dessin géométrique sur la tête" gets you L. disjunctivus (& L. pardalis), while "Livrée constituée exclusivement de points sombres, rarement coalescents, et de vermiculations, sans dessin géométrique sur la tête" gets you L/ multiradiatus.
Translation courtesy of Clare...

L. disjunctivus
Colouring consisting of dark or pale spots/points, often merging, and vermiculations. of geometric pattern on the head.

L. multiradiatus
Colouring consisting exclusively of dark spots/points rarely merging, and vermiculations, without geometric pattern on the head.

I would also make the point that there are probably several more (two certainly) exotic species in Florida's waterways. I have personally observed L. ambrosetti being fished about 5 miles inland of Cedar Key on Florida's north west coast.

Jools
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