Pterygoplichthys pardalis

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Liposarcus pardalis

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Siluriformes
Family:	Loricariidae
Genus:	Liposarcus
Species:	P. pardalis

Binomial name

Pterygoplichthys pardalis
(Castelnau, 1855)

Pterygoplichthys pardalis is a tropical fish known as a Plecostomus belonging to the Armored Catfish family (Loricariidae). Some synonyms for this species are Hypostomus pardalis, Liposarcus pardalis, Liposarcus varius, and Liposarcus jeanesianus. It is one of a number of species commonly referred to as the Common Pleco by aquarists. It will grow to a maximum length of 15.75 inches (40 centimeters). Pterygoplichthys pardalis is sometimes confused with the Hypostomus plecostomus (another armored catfish known as the "Common Plecostomus"). The two species can be distinguished by their number of dorsal rays. P. pardalis has 11-13, while the H. plecostomus has only 5-8 dorsal rays.

Natively, the Plecos originate in South America in the Amazon River Basin in a tropical climate and prefer water with a 7.0 - 7.5 pH, a water hardness of 10.0 - 20.0 dGH, and a temperature range of 73.4 - 82.4 °F (23.0 - 28.0 °C). Although normally a bottom-dwelling fish, they have the ability to breath air from surface of the water during dry periods and those in which dissolved oxygen is too low. As an aquarium fish they are hardy and suited for beginners. Peaceful and well suited for most "community" tank environments, this pleco is mainly herbivorous but will feed on a wide range of fish food offered to them. They are often known for their cleaning ability and will indeed eat algae off tank walls. However, the plecos themselves often excrete relatively large quantities of waste. They are mildly territorial towards other large Plecostomus.

There is also an albino color variation of this species, usually referred to as an "Albino Plecostomus".