Perfect Freshwater Algae Eaters in Tropical Tank: Rhino Pleco
PerfectFreshwater Algae Eaters in Tropical Tank: Rhino Pleco – The Rhino pleco is also known as
Alligator pleco and Chocolate pleco. Its scientific name is Pterygoplichthys
scrophus, but many sources make use of Liposarcus scrophus or the synonyms
Glyptoperichthys scrophus.
![]() |
Photo copyright from aqualandpetsplus.com
|
Perfect Freshwater Algae Eaters in Tropical Tank: Rhino Pleco
You are able to identify
a Pterygoplichthys species from Hypostomus for example due to the more rays in
the dorsal fin, which can be up to over or 10.
The Rhino pleco can
reach a length of 27.5 cm (almost 11 inches). It's equipped with two nasal
flutes that look like little horns on the head. The body coloration varies
between black and rich brown, mottled brown.
You understand this
species is one of the genus Pterygoplichthys since it has more than ten rays in
its dorsal fin.
Sexing
In males this is a
little yet thick stump which apparently protrudes in the fish's undercarriage.
In females it's less clear and is recessed or lies flat with the body.
Pterygoplichthys'
habitat is most common in floodplain lakes sluggish streams, and marshes.
They're known from the Amazon, Orinoco, Magdalena, Maracaibo, Paraná, Parnaíba
and São Francisco systems.
These fish have already
been introduced into many locations. Several species of Pterygoplichthys happen
to be created in the USA in Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, and Texas. Established
species include P. multiradiatus in Florida and Hawaii, P. disjunctivus in
Florida, and P. anisitsi in Texas
Tankmates
The Rhino pleco is an
omnivore species that requires meaty food and algae, vegetables in its diet. It
could succumb to sickness since it is ill adapted for a diet rich in protein
and low in fibres in case the Rhino pleco gets much meaty food and too little
alga and vegetables. The natural alga development in a aquarium is typically
not sufficient to keep a Rhino pleco healthy make sure that you supplement with
algae based fresh vegetables and prepared foods.
Furniture
All but the most robust
of plants have a tendency to be eaten or uprooted. Bogwood and level rocks are
required to assemble caverns. Plants that are floating are even eaten by will.
A good pleco for the aquarium that is deeper.
Breeding
Males: Little teeth-like
odontodes on leading pectoral fin rays and back half of fishes; more slender;
wider head; thicker first pectoral ray.
Females: Smaller, less
marked odontodes; rounder when seen from above. They're cave spawners, with the
females once they've spawned taking no additional attention of the offspring.
They are independent of both parents after the eggs have hatched.
If fish are native &
local they should not be transferred from one waterway to another, as this can
transfer disease. Whenever they aren't local fish, they can both spread disease
and out-compete or eat local fish, plants & shrimp, causing their demise.