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.

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