Vermiculated Sailfin Catfish (Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus) Care Guide
Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus is a large sailfin armoured catfish from the Madeira basin, widely invasive in tropical waters worldwide.
Overview
Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus, the vermiculated sailfin catfish, is a large suckermouth armoured catfish of the family Loricariidae. It is marked with a worm-like (vermiculated) reticulated pattern. Native to the Madeira River basin, it has become invasive in many tropical regions worldwide and needs a very large aquarium with driftwood and strong filtration.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Pterygoplichthys
- Scientific name: Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus
Habitat
The species is native to the Madeira River basin in Bolivia and Brazil. According to FishBase, it is typically found in floodplain lakes, swamps and borrow pits in poorly-oxygenated water. Wikipedia records it as introduced in India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey and the United States, where it is associated with ecological damage.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 600 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
The species is an omnivore that grazes on algae, detritus and plant material and also takes small benthic animals. In aquaria it accepts algae-based and vegetable foods, fed about once daily.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful bottom dweller, but its large adult size and heavy bioload limit suitable tankmates to robust species in a spacious system. Other territorial plecos are best avoided.
Conservation status
The IUCN Red List assesses Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus as Least Concern (assessed 25 November 2020). FishBase notes it as a facultative air-breather that can use its enlarged stomach as an accessory respiratory organ.