Sail Fin Pleco Albino (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps 'Albino')
| Sail Fin Pleco Albino Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps 'Albino' | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Sail Fin Pleco Albino |
| Name Lat. | Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps 'Albino' |
| Synonym | L83, L165 |
| Family | Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Loricariidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Venezuela, Brazil |
| Habitat | Rivers, oxbow lakes |
| Diet | Omnivore, soft wood |
| pH | 6.5-8.0 |
| Behavior | Nocturnal, peaceful |
| Keeping | Individual, pair, group |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 15-20 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 40-50 cm |
| Temperature | 23-27 °C |
| Hardness | 2-20 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 700 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 16"-20" |
| Temperature | 73-81 °F |
| Hardness | 36-356 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 180 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The leopard shield catfish albino is a color morph. The Leopard Shield Catfish are widely distributed in Venezuela and Brazil, where they are found in the river systems of the upper and middle Amazon, Rio Negro and Rio Orinoco. They live in stagnant rivers, preferring to live among dead wood and roots that protrude into the water.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a robust planting, with stones as well as roots that provide hiding places and at the same time are part of their diet. A sandy substrate, some subdued light (floating plants) and a weak current is ideal
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They feed on plant and animal food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality dry food for loricariid catfish (granules, pellets, chips, tablets), supplemented with algae leaves, soft wood and fresh vegetables, such as zucchini, broccoli, bruised peas, scalded spinach, as well as zoopankton, cyclops, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, shrimp, etc. (live or frozen)
Feed only as much as will be eaten within a few minutes, excluding plant foods. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are crepuscular to nocturnal. Within the species they occasionally behave territorially, therefore several animals should only be kept in a much larger, richly structured tank. They are very peaceful towards other fish and are well suited for a community tank
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The dorsal fin is larger in the male than in the female. With some experience, the sexes can be distinguished by their genital papilla, which is long and pointed in the male and short and round in the female.
Reproduction and breeding
There are isolated reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
They have a strong sucking mouth, with spoon-shaped teeth for scraping wood, and intestinal flora that allows the fish to digest the cellulose.
When fishing, use the finest mesh nets possible to prevent the hard rays of the pectoral fins or the skin teeth (odontodes) from getting caught on the bone plates, which can cause painful puncture wounds when touched.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch; SCHMIDT, WERNER, LECHNER (2005): MiniAtlas L-Welse, Bede Verlag
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF