Orinoco Sailfin Catfish (Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus) Care Guide
Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus is a heavy-bodied sailfin armoured catfish native to the Orinoco basin that needs a very large, well-filtered aquarium.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus is a large, heavy-bodied suckermouth armoured catfish of the family Loricariidae, native to the Orinoco River basin. It is a nocturnal, benthic species with a tall sailfin dorsal. Adults require a very large aquarium with driftwood, caves and strong, well-oxygenated filtration.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Pterygoplichthys
- Scientific name: Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus
Habitat
The species is native to the Orinoco River basin. According to FishBase it occurs in streams, lakes and weedy, mud-bottomed canals, and is a facultative air-breather. It has been introduced to Taiwan, the mainland United States and Hawaii.
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 feeds primarily on algae and also consumes worms, insect larvae and other bottom-dwelling aquatic animals. In aquaria it accepts algae-based and vegetable foods, fed about once daily.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful bottom dweller. Its large adult size and heavy bioload mean tankmates should be robust mid-water species in a large system, and other territorial plecos are best avoided.
Breeding
FishBase reports male parental care, with males digging burrows for egg-laying and spawning peaking annually. Maturity is reached at about 32.5 cm (range 25-40 cm). Captive breeding is regarded as advanced and is rarely achieved in home aquaria.
Conservation status
The IUCN Red List assesses Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus as Least Concern (assessed 24 August 2020).
Breeding the Orinoco Sailfin Pleco (Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus)
Overview
Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus, the Orinoco sailfin pleco, is a large, heavy-bodied suckermouth catfish in the family Loricariidae native to the Orinoco basin. Members of the genus are facultative air breathers with a greatly expanded, highly vascularised stomach sac that helps them survive in poorly oxygenated water. The species is among those that have formed established invasive populations, for example in Florida and Hawaii.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Reproduction in the genus involves males excavating burrows (tunnels) into mud or clay banks, where the eggs are laid and the male then guards them. The reproductive guild is described as guarders and nesters, with external fertilisation and spawning occurring across the year. These bank-nesting habits, combined with high fecundity, contribute to the genus's success as an invader.
Egg & Fry Care
The male guards the egg-filled burrow; in some fisheries eggs are collected from male-guarded burrows for the aquarium trade. Although Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps is bred commercially on fish farms in Florida and Malaysia, most species in the genus do not readily reproduce in standard aquaria because the burrow-spawning requirement is hard to replicate.
Common Challenges
The species' large adult size and dependence on deep bank burrows for spawning cannot be reproduced in a home tank, so hobby breeding is not realistic. Supply for the trade relies on wild capture and pond aquaculture.