Orinoco sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus)

Scientific name: Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus Hancock, 1828

The Orinoco sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 23–27°C (73–81°F). Native range: South America, Orinoco River basin. Reported from Argentina. Introduced and have established in Taiwan, mainland USA and Hawaii.

Orinoco sailfin catfish care at a glance

Temperature: 23–27°C (73–81°F)

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.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus
Family: Loricariidae (Armored catfishes)
Order: Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 50.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.5 - 7.8; dH range: 4 - 20 demersal
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: South America: Orinoco River basin. Reported from Argentina. Introduced and have established in Taiwan, mainland USA and Hawaii.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tm=1; Fec = 1,983)