Leopard pleco (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps)

Scientific name: Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps Kner, 1854

Leopard pleco (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps)
Photo: https://www.scotcat.com/factsheets/g_gibbiceps.htm

The Leopard pleco (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows to about 50 cm (20 in). It is easy to keep and aggressive, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 475 L (125 US gal), water at 23–27°C (73–81°F) and a pH of 6.0–8.0. Native range: South America, Middle and upper Amazon and Orinoco river basins.

Leopard pleco care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Aggressive
Community tank
Good
Adult size
50 cm (20 in)
Minimum tank
475 L (125 US gal)
Temperature
23–27°C (73–81°F)
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
5–19 dGH (89–339 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods.

Species facts

Scientific name
Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps
Family
Loricariidae (Armored catfishes)
Order
Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
50.0
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 5 - 19 demersal
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Middle and upper Amazon and Orinoco basins.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial

More catfish & plecos

See all catfish & plecos

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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