Sailfin Pleco (Glyptoperichthys gibbiceps)

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Contents 1 Additional names 1.1 Additional scientific names 2 Origin 3 Sexing 4 Tank compatibility 5 Diet 6 Feeding regime 7 Environment Specifics 8 Behaviour 9 Identification 10 Pictures 11 Videos 12 External links

Additional names

Sailfin Pleco, Leopard Pleco, Gibby, L083, L165

Additional scientific names

Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps, Ancistrus gibbiceps, Liposarcus altipinnis

Origin

These impressive fish come from the Orinco and Amazon River basins in Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. They are found in sluggish, slow river waters and move to flooded areas during the wet season. They love to burrow into muddy banks to make their homes.

Sexing

These fish can be sexed by viewing their genital papilla on their belly, only really apparent in mature fish, the males will small thick stump that protrudes from the fish's undercarriage, the females are less obvious and lies flat to the body.

Tank compatibility

Larger individuals are territorial towards other Plecos. A tough fish that can live with semi-aggressive and moderately aggressive tank mates. One best kept to a tank due to tendency towards being territorial and being quite messy fish. Best not kept with very aggressive fin-nippers due to it's tall dorsal fin.

Diet

Will take most vegetarian foods including algae wafers and blanched vegetables, will eat soft brown algae in the tank. When mature will also take prawns and similar.

Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day, may be more active towards feeding when the tank lights are off.

Environment Specifics

Requires exceptional filtration, although not fussy with water quality, this fish produces a high amount of waste. Appreciates wood in the tank and places offered as hiding spots. Planting is not ideal as although this fish won't generally eat the plants, they will uproot them.

Behaviour

Territorial once mature. Will out compete other catfish for food.

Identification

A large and attractive Pleco with a large dorsal which does appear sail-like when raised, giving this fish its common name. The body colouration is a light brown to black in base colour with dark brown to black spots going into the fins also. The fins occasionally have a reddish brown edging to them. Albino variations have been seen.

Pictures

Videos

External links

• Fishbase (Mirrors: )

• Tropical Fish Friends
• Planet Catfish
• Mongabay
• Pleco Profile & Video
• Scotcat