PlanetCatfish.com - Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Loricariidae) Cat-eLog

Close-up of mouth
Close-up of head
Albino
Dorsal view from above water
Dorsal view
Frontal view
Albino
Adult
Close-up of head
Newly laid eggs
Two day old eggs
Four day old eggs
Newly hatched fry
One day old fry
Two day old fry
Three day old fry
Four day old fry
Five day old fry
Six day old fry
Week old fry
Three week old juvenile
Sub-adult

Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name	**Pterygoplichthys pardalis** (Castelnau, 1855)
Common Names	L021, Common Pleco L023, Albino Pleco, Amazon Sailfin Pleco, Chocolate Pleco, Janitor Fish, Pantersugemalle (Denmark)
Type Locality	Amazon River, Brazil.
Synonym(s)	Hypostomus pardalis, Liposarcus jeanesianus, Liposarcus pardalis, Liposarcus varius
Pronunciation	terry gop LICK thees - par dah liss
Etymology	Greek, pterygion, diminutive of pteryx = wing, fin + Greek, hoplon = weapon + Greek, ichthys = fish.
Articles	- CotM 2008 April - Shane's World Species The Pleco Egg Collectors of Florida
Species Information
Size	423mm or 16.7" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification	Pterygoplichthys can be identified by the number of rays in the dorsal fin. Ten or more dorsal rays (usually more than 10) indicates that it's a Pterygoplichthys. Most other plecos have 8 or fewer rays (in particular the larger Hypostomus species that are most likely to be confused with Pterygoplichthys). Is also L023. A relatively nondescript species that is unlikely to be imported as an L number. An amelanistic form has also been fixed by US and SE Asian commercial fish farms and is commonly sold as the "chocolate pleco". As they are bred in huge numbers by commercial fish farms, this is currently the most commonly available loricariid and can be found for sale in nearly all the larger chain-type pet stores. This species is most likely to be confused with P. disjunctivus. The pattern on the abdomen is the most useful external key: P. pardalis has a spotted pattern, where P. disjunctivus has a vermiculated pattern. For more info see: Zootaxa 1109: 57-68 (2006)
Sexing	Comparison of the genital papilla in mature fish shows the differences in the sexes to the trained eye. In males this is a small yet thick stump which noticeably protrudes from the fish's undercarriage. In females it is less obvious and is recessed or lies flat with the body.
General Remarks	It is important to note that the term "common pleco" is applied to several nondescript loricariid species, especially of the genera Pterygoplichthys and Hypostomus.
Habitat Information
Distribution	South America: Lower, middle and upper Amazon River basin. Introduced to countries outside its native range. Amazon (click on these areas to find other species found there) Login to view the map.
IUCN Red List Category	Least Concern , range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2020.
pH	6.0 - 7.5
Temperature	21.0-26.0°C or 69.8-78.8°F (Show species within this range)
Other Parameters	Typically specimens found for sale are pond bred and raised and hardy. They will adapt to most water conditions and extend the more optimal ranges given here.
Husbandry Information
Feeding	. User data.
Furniture	Larger fish will unwittingly uproot plants. Large plastic or ceramic pipes are best for hiding places.
Compatibility	Peaceful as far as large plecos go.
Suggested Tankmates	Almost any medium sized community fish.
Breeding	Commercially bred in outdoor ponds in both the U.S. and Far East.
Breeding Reports	There is no breeding report.
Further Information
Reference	Animaux nouveaux or rares v. 2, pp42, Pl. 20 (fig. 3).
Registered Keepers	There are 368 registered keepers, view all "my cats" data.
Wishlists	Love this species? Click the heart to add it to your wish list. There are 4 wishes to keep this species, see who wants what.
Spotters	Spotted this species somewhere? Click the binoculars! There are 50 records of this fish being seen, view them all.
Forum BBCode

	Search for P. pardalis
	Look up P. pardalis on AquaticRepublic.com
	Look up P. pardalis on Fishbase
	Look up P. pardalis on Encyclopedia of Life
	Look up P. pardalis on Global Biodiversity Information Facility
	LFS label creator ARN ref:1.4.6.88
Last Update	2023 Jan 12 05:25 (species record created: 2001 May 05 00:00)