Sailfin Pleco, lat. Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps- Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps distribution
Family: Loricariidae;
Genus: Pterygoplichthys;
Species and synonyms: Sailfin Pleco (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps, Glyptoperichthys gibbiceps, Sailfin Pleco, Leopard Pleco, Highfin Spotted Plecostomus, Common Pleco).
GBIF:
Sailfin Pleco (lat. Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Siluriformes, family Loricariidae, genus Pterygoplichthys. One of the most popular and large aquarium catfish, known as the sailfin catfish.
Distribution. The natural range of the Sailfin Pleco covers rivers and lakes of South America, mainly in the Amazon and Orinoco basins in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador and other countries. The fish prefer slow-moving or stagnant waters with sandy or rocky bottoms, often found in rivers, lakes, floodplain water bodies with dense vegetation and plenty of shelters.
Care requirements. The Sailfin Pleco is a large catfish, growing up to 30–40 cm in the aquarium and up to 50 cm in the wild. For keeping a single specimen, an aquarium of at least 300 liters with a length of 120 cm is required. Optimal water parameters: temperature 22–28°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Powerful filtration with moderate flow, good aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Sandy or fine gravel substrate, driftwood, stones and shelters are placed at the bottom. Plants should have tough leaves or be potted.
Sailfin Plecos are omnivorous, feeding on algae, detritus, small invertebrates and organic debris in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality sinking pellets, flakes, plant components (spirulina, blanched vegetables, algae), as well as live and frozen foods (bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp). It is important to ensure a constant supply of plant food. Feed should be 1–2 times a day in small portions.
In the aquarium, Sailfin Plecos are active in the lower water layers, often attaching to glass, stones and driftwood. They are peaceful towards large fish, but may eat small fish. Recommended tankmates include large cichlids, catfish, large characins. It is not recommended to keep them with small fish that will be perceived as food.
Breeding in home aquariums is extremely difficult and rarely occurs in hobby aquariums. Sailfin Plecos are egg-laying fish, but spawning requires special conditions and hormonal stimulation. Sexual differences are weakly expressed: males have more pronounced spines on the pectoral fins. In the aquarium hobby, most fish come from the wild or specialized farms.
The Sailfin Pleco gets its name from its characteristic coloration: the body is brownish or olive with dark spots and a bright reticulated pattern resembling brocade. The dorsal fin is very high, sail-shaped, for which the catfish earned the nickname "sailfin". It is one of the most popular and large catfish, requiring a spacious aquarium and careful care. Life expectancy is 15–20 years.