Cat-eLog Right Loricariidae Right Hypostominae Right Pterygoplichthys  |  | 

Down Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name Pterygoplichthys etentaculatus  (Spix & Agassiz, 1829)
Common Name
Type Locality Rio São Francisco, Januaria, Minas Gerais State, Brazil.
Synonym(s) Ancistrus longimanus, Glyptoperichthys duodecimalis, Hypostoma etentaculatum, Hypostomus brevitentaculatus, Hypostomus duodecimalis
Pronunciation terry gop LICK thees - ee tent ack you la tuss
Etymology Greek, pterygion, diminutive of pteryx = wing, fin + Greek, hoplon = weapon + Greek, ichthys = fish. 
Down Species Information
Size 300mm or 11.8" 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.
Down Habitat Information
Distribution South America: São Francisco River basin.
São Francisco (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 2018.
pH 6.2 - 7.8
Temperature 22.0-30.0°C or 71.6-86°F (Show species within this range)
Other Parameters dH 25
Down Husbandry Information
Feeding Omnivorous and a good algae eater, especially when young. User data.
Suggested Tankmates Almost any medium sized community fish.
Breeding Unreported.
Breeding Reports There is no breeding report.
Down Further Information
Reference Selecta genera et species piscium quos in itinere per Brasiliam, pp 7, Pl. 4 (figs. 1-2).
Registered Keepers There is but a single registered keeper, view all "my cats" data.
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There is but a single record of this fish being seen, view it.
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Last Update 2020 Sep 19 01:34 (species record created: 2006 Dec 24 15:10)