The Best Freshwater Algae Eaters in Aquariums: Amazon Sailfin Pleco
The BestFreshwater Algae Eaters in Aquariums: Amazon Sailfin Pleco – It is one of several species generally
called the common pleco or "Amazon Sailfin Pleco"[citation needed] by
aquarists. It'll grow to a maximum length of 42.3 centimetres (16.7 in) SL.
Pterygoplichthys pardalis is occasionally mistaken with the Hypostomus
plecostomus (another armored catfish referred to as the "common
plecostomus").
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The Best Freshwater Algae Eaters in Aquariums: Amazon Sailfin Pleco
This fish may become
more agressive, especially to other plecos. It is a very hardy fish
nevertheless, and is a good add-on to larger tanks. When of a suitable size has
the capacity to hold its own with most other fishes. Driftwood ought to be
comprised in the tank. Plecos will frequently eat live plants in the tank. As
this signals, when buying a specimen, do not buy fish with hollow stomachs the
fish has not eaten recently, and will most likely not survive long following
the trip home.
Questions have been
asked about keeping them with Goldfish, but the principal worry here is that
the "Pleco" will try to suck the slime coatings of the goldfishes
body leading to impending infection dilemmas. Better to place the smaller
common Ancistrus species if you'd like an alga cleaner.
Identification
Pterygoplichthys may be
recognized by the number of rays in the dorsal fin. More than 10 suggests that
it is a Pterygoplichthys. Most other plecos have 8 or fewer rays (in particular
the larger Hypostomus species that are most inclined to be confused with
Pterygoplichthys).
Is additionally L023. A
relatively nondescript species that's unlikely to be imported as an L amount.
As they're bred in huge numbers by commercial fish farms, this is now the most
frequently available loricariid and might be discovered for sale in almost all
the larger chain-kind pet stores.
Feeding
In their natural
habitat, this species feeds on other plant matter, aquatic weeds and algae and
small crustaceans. Will eat mostly vegetable fare in the aquarium but will also
eat tablet and pellet foods.
Colour & Compatibility
Geometric pattern on
leopard and the head -like, dark spots of varying size's on the abdomen area.
Peaceful on their own
but will be territorial with their own type. Can be kept with most aquarium
fishes in a larger tank of 3' 6" or over.
Sexing
Comparison of the
genital papilla in mature fish shows the differences in the genders to the
trained eye. In males this is a modest yet thick stump which apparently
protrudes from the fish's undercarriage. In females it's less apparent and is
recessed or lies flat with the body.
Mating & Spawning
Breeding of members in
the family Loricariidae has been done pretty frequently. The aquarium should
have clay pipes or tubes with a reasonably large diameter. The fry will eat
baby brine shrimp along with little flake food and algae scrapings. They're not
the easiest to raise and a bare bottom tank is finest.
Additional info
The Amazon Salfin Pleco
is often bought for its algae eating capabilities, though it is not as
successful in this respect as some other plecos. Overall, a good community fish
if it is given enough room to grow and thrive in.