Pterygoplichthys pardalis
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| Common Pleco | |
| |
| Common Pleco | |
| Species | Pterygoplichthys pardalis |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Min. Tank Size | 283.906 liters 283,905.883 mL 75 US Gallons (283.9L) |
| Size | 33.02 cm
12-13 " (30.5-33cm) |
| pH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| Temp. | 294.15 K 69.8 °F 529.47 °R 299.15 K |
| Water Hardness |
6-10 |
| Stocking Ratio | 1:1 M:F |
| Availability | Common |
| Diet | |
| Life Span |
8-15 years |
Contents |
[edit] Alternative names
- Common Pleco, Amazon Sailfin Pleco, L021, L023
[edit] Other Scientific Names
- Hypostomus pardalis, Liposarcus jeanesianus, Liposarcus pardalis, Liposarcus varius
[edit] Sexing
- Females are broader than males.
[edit] Tank compatibility
- Can be kept with similar sized peaceful or semi-aggressive tankmates. Should not be kept with others of their own species or other Plecos as they can be territorial.
[edit] Diet
- Will graze on algae around the tank, and bogwood is also beneficial in their diet. Will also eat algae wafers and blanched vegetables. May also be seen to feed on dead fish and live foods offered for tankmates.
[edit] Feeding regime
- Feed once or twice a day depending on algae content of the tank.
[edit] Environment Specifics
- Requires a very spacious and very well filtered tank. Will uproot plants. Hiding places in which to take cover when the lights are on are appreciated.
[edit] Behaviour
- A large and generally peaceful fish that can be found hiding or motionless on the side of the glass or on decor.
[edit] Identification
- A large fish with dark body colouration with a reticulated pattern, can be confused with Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus, but the P.pardalis has a spotted pattern on the abdomen whereas the P. disjunctivus has a vermiculated pattern. The dorsal is tall and there are two spiny ridges running down the flanks of the fish from the pectoral fins, these can cause the fish to get tangled in nets or even burst fish bags. An albino variation has been seen.
[edit] Pictures
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[edit] External links
Facts about Pterygoplichthys pardalis
| Availability | Common |
| Common name | Common Pleco |
| Diet | Herbivore + |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Family | Loricariidae + |
| Foods | Pellet Food +, Flake Food +, and Other Foods + |
| Maximum Size | 13 in (33.02 cm) + |
| Maximum age | 15 + |
| Maximum hardness | 10 + |
| Maximum pH | 7.5 + |
| Maximum temperature | 299.15 K (26 °C, 78.8 °F, 538.47 °R) + |
| Minimum Tank Size | 75 US Gallon (283.906 liters, 283,905.883 mL) + |
| Minimum hardness | 6 + |
| Minimum pH | 6 + |
| Minimum temperature | 294.15 K (21 °C, 69.8 °F, 529.47 °R) + |
| Scientific name | Pterygoplichthys pardalis |
