[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Catfish – Sailfin Pleco (Glyptoperichthys gibbiceps)

This species still appears under its former scientific name in many aquarium books. However, the genus Pterygoplichthys is no longer valid, having been replaced by two genera, Glyptoperichthys and Liposarcus. The common name of pleco is also applied to species of the genus Hypostomus, from which Glyptoperichthys is easily distinguished by its dorsal fin, which has more than ten rays; Hypostomus has only seven.

Other common names

• Spotted Pleco, Sailfin Suckermouth Catfish

Synonym

• Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps

Family

• Loncariidae

Subfamily

• Hypostominae

Distribution

• Peru.

Size

• Up to 24m (60cm), but usually smaller.

Behavior

• Predominantly nocturnal and peaceful, even toward smaller tankmates.

Diet

• Almost exclusively vegetarian; offer plant-based sinking formulations, slices of potato or cucumber, lettuce, spinach, or peas.

Aquarium

• Large, well planted, well filtered, with numerous shelters. Water chemistry not critical. A “moonlight” fluorescent tube to facilitate night viewing is advisable. Temperature range: 68-81 F (22-27 C).

Breeding

• No documented accounts of aquarium breeding currently available.