Sailfin pleco
Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps · Loricariidae
Also known as Gibbiceps, Leopard sailfin
Advanced
Sold tiny, reaches 45 cm and produces enormous waste — plan for a pond-sized tank.
In short: A sailfin pleco needs at least 760 L (201 US gal), water at 23–29 °C (73–84 °F) and pH 6.5–8. It is peaceful, usually kept singly, and rated advanced to keep.
- Minimum tank
- 760 L (201 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–29 °C (73–84 °F)
- pH
- 6.5–8
- Adult size
- 45 cm (17.7 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 760 L (201 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–29 °C (73–84 °F)
- pH
- 6.5–8
- Hardness
- 4–25 dGH
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — wafers, veg, driftwood, occasional protein.
- Care level
- Advanced
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Amazon and Orinoco basins
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Large muddy rivers
- Natural conditions
- Huge volume, oversized filtration, wood and caves.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- Bottom
- Good tank mates
- Large cichlidsSilver dollarBig characins
- Avoid
- Standard community tanksSoft-bodied slow fish
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Hard to sex externally.
- Notes
- Burrow spawner; not practical indoors.
- Common ailments
- Nitrate stressInjury from being mishandled
Will it fit your tank?
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