Pterygoplichthys
gibbiceps
(Kner,
1854) |
his large peaceful Loricariid the 'Sailfin
Plec' or 'Gibby' can sometimes be confused with other suckermouth
catfishes such as Hypostomus
for example, but one look at the broad dorsal base which contains
between 12 and 13 rays, and the difference is immeasurable,
also the first ray is equal to the length of the head. The small
anal fin has 4 to 5 rays and its head is conspicuous by the large
nasal flares.
As mentioned above this is a comparitively
peacful pleco but if kept with its own kind can scrap, but they
do very little damage to each other. I have seen some very impressive
looking specimens on the show bench and if up to size can do very
well at shows.
Colouration and markings can vary quite a bit in each individual
as can be seen in the two accompanying photographs.
Typical 'Plec' shape. Prominent nuchal crest.
Large nasal flares. Dorsal fin; large, 12-13 the first ray being
equal to length of head. Pectoral spine; Almost reaching middle
ventral. Caudal; Emarginate, the outer rays produced.
Body and fins with large dark spots seperated
by light reticulations. Spots on head are smaller. Colour intensifies
with age.
To keep this fine looking animal in mint condition
you will need a reasonably sized aquarium starting of with a 3 footer
when small with good external filtration to facilatate a good oxygen
content, as it excretes copious amounts of waste if fed properly
on vegetable matter. If the water quality is not adhered to, small
holes can appear in the fin membranes. You will notice when your
water quality is not up to the mark as they "hang" in
the water just of their fins from the substrate which means 'get
that water change done'. It is kind to plants in the aquarium, the
only problem is when it gets bigger and can uproot them in its conquest
around the tank.
Virtually impossible in the home aquarium
as they lay their eggs in excavated holes dug into the banks of
rivers. These fish are now being commercially bred for the aquarium
hobby.
They are mostly vegetarian with algae being
their number one source of food but to keep a large fish fed on
algae alone is impossible so you can feed also, spinach, blanched
lettuce, cucumber, corgette (zucchini) and also non veg food such
as tablets and prawns.
| Etymology |
Pterygoplichthys:
Pterygos = wing, fin; pleion = more; ichthys
= fish.
gibbiceps: With
a hump on the head.
|
| References |
Northern Area Catfish
Group Information Sheet No 13.
Top Picture: Sandy
Milne
Bottom Picture: Allan James
@  |
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|
| Synonyms:
|
| Ancistrus
gibbiceps, Glyptoperichthys gibbiceps, Liposarcus altipinnis |
| Common
Name: |
| Sailfin Pleco, Gibby |
| Family: |
| Loricariidae |
| Subfamily: |
| Hypostominae |
| Distribution: |
| South America:
Middle and upper Amazon and Orinoco basins. |
| Size: |
| 50cm. (20ins) |
| Temp: |
| 25-30°c (77-87°f.) |
| pH.: |
| 5.0-7.0 |
| Donation: |
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