Snow King Pleco (Pterygoplichthys ambrosettii) Care Guide
Pterygoplichthys ambrosettii, the Snow King pleco, is a large sailfin pleco from the Río de la Plata basin; a hardy bottom-dweller needing a very large tank.
Overview
Pterygoplichthys ambrosettii, the Snow King or Paraná sailfin pleco, is a large armoured suckermouth catfish of the family Loricariidae. Like other Pterygoplichthys it has a tall, sail-like dorsal fin and a spotted body.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Scientific name: Pterygoplichthys ambrosettii
- Subfamily: Hypostominae
- Common synonyms: Snow King Sailfin
Habitat
The species occurs in the Río de la Plata basin, in the Paraguay, middle Paraná, Bermejo and Uruguay rivers, across Paraguay, Bolivia, northern Argentina and western Uruguay. It is a typical species of the lower Paraná freshwater ecoregion; its range expanded into the upper Paraná after the Sete Quedas waterfalls were flooded during the Itaipu dam construction. The aquarium should be warm, spacious and well filtered.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 600 L (159 gal)
- Adult size: 40-50 cm (15.7-19.7 in)
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
As with related sailfin plecos it is essentially omnivorous, taking a diet rich in vegetable matter alongside prepared sinking foods. Soft aquarium plants are at risk from its rasping.
Compatibility
Peaceful but very large, it stays near the bottom and produces a heavy bioload, so it requires a sizeable aquarium with strong filtration. Calm tankmates such as larger tetras and robust Corydoras suit it; aggressive or territorial plecos are best avoided.
Conservation status
The IUCN Red List assessed the species as Least Concern.