Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus
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| Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus (Hancock, 1828) |
Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus is a tropical fish known as a Plecostomus belonging to the armored catfish family (Loricariidae). Named for its sail-like dorsal fin, the part of its scientific name multiradiatus means "many-rayed" and refers to the rays of the dorsal fin. P. multiradiatus is one of a number of species commonly referred to as the common pleco by aquarists.[1]
Other scientific names that were used (as synonyms) for P. multiradiatus include Hypostomus multiradiatus, Ancistrus multiradiatus, and Liposarcus multiradiatus. P. multiradiatus is sometimes confused with Pterygoplichthys pardalis, which is a different species of pleco. P. multiradiatus goes by a number of common names. It can be called the "long-fin armored catfish" in Hawaii, "sailfin catfish", "sailfish catfish", "many-rayed (multiradiatus) pleco" or "radiated ptero" in the USA, and 多輻翼甲鯰 in Mandarin Chinese.
P. multiradiatus is mottled brown/black and inhabits freshwater streams and lakes and in weedy, mud-bottomed canals in its native habitat: the Orinoco River basin in South America. Its geographic distribution is 10°N - 1°N, 68°W - 61°W. This tropical, nocturnal bottom-dweller likes warm water at the temperature range of 23 - 27°C, pH range: 6.5 - 7.8, and dH range: 4 - 20.
P. multiradiatus browses on substrate, mainly feeding on benthic algae and aquatic weeds, but will also take worms, insect larvae and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates as food.
One of the large plecos (growing to a maximum of 50 cm), this species likes solitude, is relatively peaceful as an aquarium fish and does well with cichlids and other big fish, and should be kept in large tanks only and with plenty of rocks and driftwood in which to hide.
P. multiradiatus is not of interest in the fisheries, but is very important, as with many of the plecos, in the aquarium trade.
This species has been introduced to Hawaii and Puerto Rico.[2]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus (TSN 553393). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 04 Mar 2007.
- Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus (TSN 164375). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 04 Mar 2007.
[edit] Notes
- ^ "Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. September 2004 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2004.
- ^ LUCY BUNKLEY-WILLIAMS, ERNEST H. WILLIAMS, JR., CRAIG G. LILYSTROM, IRIS CORUJO -FLORES, ALFONSO J. ZERBI, CATHERINE ALIAUME, AND TIMOTHY N. CHURCHILL. (1994). "The South American Sailfin Armored Catfish, Liposarcus multiradiatus (Hancock), a New Exotic Established in Puerto Rican Fresh Waters".
