Amazon Sailfin Pleco (Pterygoplichthys pardalis) Care Guide
Pterygoplichthys pardalis is a large spotted sailfin pleco from the Amazon basin, an air-breathing omnivore that grows very big and is invasive outside its range.
Overview
Pterygoplichthys pardalis, the Amazon sailfin pleco, is a large armoured suckermouth catfish of the family Loricariidae. It is distinguished from the common plecostomus by 11-13 dorsal rays (versus 5-8) and a spotted pattern. FishBase records a maximum total length of about 57.8 cm; albino and amelanistic ("chocolate") trade forms exist.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Scientific name: Pterygoplichthys pardalis
- Subfamily: Hypostominae
- Common synonyms: Common Sailfin
Habitat
The species is native to the lower, middle and upper Amazon basin in Brazil and Peru. It is a facultative air breather that can take oxygen from the air during low-oxygen periods or dry seasons, and it can move between the bottom and the surface. It has been introduced widely outside its native range, where invasive populations disrupt food chains, reduce native species and degrade aquatic plants.
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
It is an omnivore. In the aquarium it accepts a varied diet of vegetable matter and prepared sinking foods; given its size and appetite it produces heavy waste and is not safe with soft aquarium plants, which it will rasp.
Compatibility
Peaceful in temperament but enormous in size, it keeps to the bottom and needs a very large aquarium with strong filtration to cope with its high bioload. 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 (2020).