Amazon sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys pardalis)

Scientific name: Pterygoplichthys pardalis Castelnau, 1855

Amazon sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys pardalis)

The Amazon sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys pardalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows to about 13 cm (5.1 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 475 L (125 US gal), water at 25–30°C (77–86°F) and a pH of 7.0–7.5. Native range: South America, : Lower Amazon River region.

Amazon sailfin catfish care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Good
Adult size
13 cm (5.1 in)
Minimum tank
475 L (125 US gal)
Temperature
25–30°C (77–86°F)
pH
7.0–7.5
Hardness
10–20 dGH (178–357 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts algae wafers and vegetables.

Species facts

Scientific name
Pterygoplichthys pardalis
Family
Loricariidae (Armored catfishes)
Order
Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
42.3
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 7.0 - 7.5; dH range: 10 - 20 demersal
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Lower, middle and upper Amazon River basin. Introduced to countries outside its native range.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial

More catfish & plecos

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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