Orinoco sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus) fish species and information / pictures of Orinoco sailfin catfish - Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus

Orinoco sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus

Common Name
Orinoco sailfin catfish

Biology
Occurs in streams and lakes and in weedy, mud-bottomed canals. Benthic. Nocturnal, feeds on algae , but will also feed on worms, insect larvae, and other bottom-dwelling aquatic animals. Spawning period peaks once a year. Reproductive behavior includes digging of burrows for egg laying. May exhibit male parental care.

Classification

Classified By
Hancock, 1828
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Catfish (Siluriformes)
Family
Armored catfishes (Loricariidae)

Distribution

Region
South America
Distribution
South America: Orinoco River basin. Reported from Argentina. Introduced and have established in Taiwan, mainland USA and Hawaii.
Range
10°N - 1°N, 68°W - 61°W

Environment

Climate
Tropical
Water Temperature From
23 °C
Water Temperature To
27 °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
Unknown m
Zone
demersal
Environment
Freshwater; ; pH range: 6.5 - 7.8; dH range: 4 - 20 demersal
Trophic Level
2.16 s.e. 0.12 Based on food items.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
False
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
True
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
50.0 cm
Common Length
Unknown cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Vulnerability
Low to moderate vulnerability (26 of 100)
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tm=1; Fec = 1,983)
Threat To Humans
Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
Not Evaluated