Snow Leopard Pleco (Pterygoplichthys anisitsi) Care Guide
Pterygoplichthys anisitsi is a large sailfin armoured catfish from the Paraguay-Parana system, treated by FishBase as a synonym of P. ambrosettii.
Overview
Pterygoplichthys anisitsi is a large suckermouth armoured catfish of the family Loricariidae from southern South America. FishBase and Wikipedia treat the name as a junior synonym of Pterygoplichthys ambrosettii. The species has a high sailfin dorsal and a body marked with dark spots on a pale background. It requires a very large aquarium with driftwood and clean, well-oxygenated water.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Pterygoplichthys
- Scientific name: Pterygoplichthys anisitsi
- Senior synonym (FishBase/Wikipedia): Pterygoplichthys ambrosettii
Habitat
The species is native to the Paraguay, middle Parana, Bermejo and Uruguay River basins of the Rio de la Plata system, in Paraguay, Bolivia, northern Argentina and western Uruguay. According to USGS, it occupies habitats ranging from cool, fast-flowing oxygen-rich streams to slow, warm lowland rivers and stagnant pools, and tolerates poor water quality. It has been introduced and established in parts of the southern United States.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 500 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
Pterygoplichthys anisitsi is largely a detritivore and grazer. USGS reports it removes attached algae from surfaces and also consumes benthic invertebrates. In aquaria it accepts algae-based foods and vegetable matter, fed about once daily.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful bottom-dwelling species. Because of its eventual size and heavy bioload, tankmates should be robust mid-water fish in a large system. Other territorial plecos are best avoided to prevent competition for cover.
Breeding
Pterygoplichthys species are burrow spawners. Studies on P. ambrosettii describe parental care in excavated burrows, but reproduction is rarely achieved in home aquaria and is regarded as advanced.
Conservation status
The IUCN Red List assesses Pterygoplichthys ambrosettii (the accepted name) as Least Concern (assessed 25 November 2020).