Amazon sailfin catfish - Pterygoplichthys pardalis
Scientific name: Pterygoplichthys pardalis
Common name: Amazon sailfin catfish
Family: Loricariidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 41 - 46 cm (16.14 - 18.11 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 4.1 - 8.9
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 6 - 21°N (107.14 - 375ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 22 - 29 °C (71.6 - 84.2°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: South America
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels
Food and feeding
Amazon sailfin catfish is a herbivore, it should be given a high vegetable mater diet. Quality flake and algae wafers should provide the staple diet but it should also be offered treats of fresh vegetables like lettuce, spinach and peas.
Origin
South America; Amazon sailfin catfish can be found in the major river deltas.
Sexing
There are no visible differences between the sexes.
Breeding
Tubes or clay piping should be added to the breeding tank to provide spawning sites. The male will clean the chosen site and invite the female in. When the eggs have been laid she will play no further part in the parenting. The male will guard the eggs and fry when they have hatched. When the fry emerge they can be fed on crushed flake, newly hatched brine shrimp or slivers taken from algae wafers.
Lifespan
The expected life span for Amazon sailfin catfish is 15 years.
Short description
Pterygoplichthys pardalis are quite a hardy fish but do produce a lot of waste. They can be aggressive as they mature to other adults of the same species.