pet fish - Sailfin Pleco

Sailfin Pleco (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps)

This pet fish is extremely popular in the aquarium, due to its unusual appearance and its ability to eat algae; the bane of all aquarists. In general this algae eater fish is peaceful towards other fish though territorial disputes arise with other plecos. Though not nocturnal they are more active at night and will spend daylight hours 'hiding' in a secluded location.

Pet fish care

Like most plecs this species is primarily vegetarian though will eat dead animals. Wood appears to be an essential part of this species diet - possibly as a digestive aid rather than for any nutritional value. As the pet fish grows big (up to 50cm in the aquarium) a large tank with good filtration is required, in general these fish are tolerant to a wide range of freshwater conditions though prefer well aerated water.

Physical characteristics

The pets fish shows all the characteristic features of its genus - a large dorsal fin with more than nine rays, prominent nasal flares and a prominent hump or crest anterior to the dorsal fin as well as a substantial base to the dorsal fin. Adult fish easily attain 20cm in length and can live for more than 20 years.

A typical plec shape is shown, patternation consists of primarily irregular largish brown spots on a yellowish backgroung giving a honeycombed like appearance, additional pattern features common to related species may be visible on close inspection. As this fish grows the spots get relatively smaller.

In the wild these algae eater fish are found in shoals in sluggish rivers of the Amazon and Orinoco river systems, they also occupy flooded land during the wet season. During the dry season P. gibbiceps will aestivate in burrows around 1 metre long dug into mud banks along the length of a river, egg rearing is also presumed to take place in burrow.

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