Pterygoplichthys
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 Pterygoplichthys sp.
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P. anisitsi |
Pterygoplichthys[1] (from the Greek πτέρυγ- (pteryg-), meaning "wing", (hoplon) - weapon and ἰχθύς (ichthys) meaning "fish") is a genus of the armored catfish family Loricariidae. The type species is Pterygoplichthys etentaculatus (originally known as Hypostomus duodecimalis). Commonly known as sailfin armoured catfish or sailfin plecs, characteristisc of members of this genus include rows of armour plating covering the body including the abdomen, an underslung suckermouth, evertable cheek plates (as in genus Ancistrus) (not in Liposarcus sub group), large dorsal fins with 9 or more dorsal fin rays, adipose fin present, and an enlarged stomach connected to the dorsal abdominal wall by a connective tissue sheet.[2] Most specimens have a brownish mottled appearance that can fade with age[citation needed], though the juveniles are relatively brightly coloured.
Pterygoplichthys' habitat is limited to sluggish rivers of the South American continent, and they can survive out of water for considerable periods of time, excavating burrows in mud banks. Breeding is presumably performed in holes and mud banks. Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps has been bred commercially in fish farms in Florida and Malaysia for the aquarium trade.
The adult size of a member of Pterygoplichthys can range from about 50 to 70 cm, and they have a life-span of about 15 years. Their diet consists of algae, aufwuchs, general plant matter and possibly carrion. They are grazing animals or scavengers as opposed to predator fish.
Some species of the genus have been reported making appearances in southern United States and the Philippines—presumably escapees from fish farms or released pets.[3]
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[edit] Note on genus classification
The genus Pterygoplichthys has been extended to include Liposarcus and Glyptoperichthys.[4][5]
Previously Liposarcus, Glyptoperichthys and Pterygoplichthys had been named as sub genera of Pterygoplichthys[6][7] This wikipedia article contains species data collated using this classification.
[edit] Sub-genera and species
| subgenera | Pterygoplichthys | Liposarcus | Glyptoperichthys |
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| Species | P. ententaculatus P. undecimalis P. zuliaensis |
P. anisitsi P. disjunctivus P. multiradius P. pardarlis |
P.gibbiceps P. joeselimaianus P. lituratus P. parnaibae P. punctatus P. scrophus[8] P. xinguensis |
[edit] Trivia
Pterygoplichthys is an exact anagram of Glyptoperichthys.
[edit] External links
- THE LORICARIIDAE Website of Dr. J. Armbruster with specific information and research on the genus Pterygoplichthys.
- Planet Catfish - a catfish interest site
- Scotcat Gallery of pictures, synonyms and L-numbers and other useful information relating to Loricariid species.
[edit] References
- ^ "Pterygoplichthys". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. 03 2006 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2006.
- ^ Armbruster (2004). Pterygoplichthyini.
- ^ . ""New Philippine record of south American sailfin catfishes"".
- ^ "Jonathan W. Armbruster" (2004). ""Phylogenetic relationships of the suckermouth armoured catfishes (Loricariidae) with emphasis on the Hypostominae and the Ancistrinae (abstract)"". "Zoological journal of the Linean society".
- ^ Pterygoplichthys (Gill, 1858).
- ^ C. Weber (1991). "Nouveaux taxa dans Pterygoplichthys sensu lato (Pisces, Siluriformes, Loricariidae)". Revue Suisse de Zoologie.
- ^ C Weber (1992). "Révision du genre Pterygoplichthys sensu lato". Revue Francaise díAquariologie Herpétologie.
- ^ . "Redescription of Glyptoperichthys scrophus a Loricariid catfish from Peru". Icthyol. Explor. Freshwaters.
