The Best Algae Eating Fish Freshwater in Fish Tank: Amazon Sailfin Pleco

The Best Algae Eating Fish Freshwater in Fish Tank: Amazon Sailfin Pleco – Pterygoplichthys pardalis is a freshwater tropical fish in the armored catfish family (Loricariidae). It is one of a number of species commonly called the common pleco or "Amazon Sailfin Pleco"[citation needed] by aquarists. It is going to grow to a maximum span of 42.3 centimetres (16.7 in) SL. Pterygoplichthys pardalis is occasionally confused with the Hypostomus plecostomus (another armored catfish known as the "common plecostomus").

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The Best Algae Eating Fish Freshwater in Fish Tank: Amazon Sailfin Pleco

This fish may become more agressive, particularly to other plecos. It is a nice addition to larger tanks, and is a very hardy fish however. When of a proper size has the capacity to hold its own with most other fishes. It is usually thought of as just an algae eater, but its diet should be supplimented with other foods, including green peas, romaine lettuce, parboiled zucchini, sweet potato, squash, and sinking pellets, while it eats algae very effectively.

Driftwood should be comprised in the tank. Plecos will most likely eat live plants in the tank. When buying a specimen, don't purchase fish with hollow bellies as this signals the fish will most likely not survive long after the trip home, and has not eaten lately.

Questions are asked about keeping them with Goldfish, but the primary worry here is that the "Pleco" will try to suck the slime coatings of the goldfishes body resulting in forthcoming illness issues. Better if you need an algae cleaner, to place the smaller Ancistrus species that is common.

Identification

Pterygoplichthys can be recognized by the number of rays in the dorsal fin. More than 10 indicates that it is a Pterygoplichthys. Most other plecos have 8 or fewer rays (in particular the bigger Hypostomus species that are most likely to be mistaken with Pterygoplichthys).

Is also L023. A comparatively nondescript species that is not likely to be imported as an L number. As they're bred in enormous amounts by commercial fish farms, this is now the most commonly available loricariid and could be found in nearly all the larger chain-type pet stores for sale.

Feeding

In their natural habitat, this species feeds on algae, aquatic weeds and other plant matter and little crustaceans. Will eat largely vegetable cuisine in the aquarium but may also eat tablet and pellet foods.

Geometric pattern on leopard and the head -like, dark spots of varying size's on the abdomen area.

Peaceful on their own but will be territorial with their own type.

Sexing

The differences are shown by comparison of the genital papilla in mature fish in the genders to the trained eye. In men this is really a small yet thick stump which noticeably protrudes from the fish's undercarriage. In females it's less apparent and is recessed or lies flat with the body.

Source

P. pardalis is native to the Amazon River Basin of Brazil and Peru.

Mating & Spawning

Breeding of members in the family Loricariidae has been done fairly frequently. The aquarium should have tubes or clay pipes with a diameter that is pretty big. The male will clean the site and will fan water over the eggs and fry. The fry will eat baby brine shrimp in addition to small flake food and algae scrapings. They're not the most easy to raise and a bare bottom tank is finest.

Additional information

Though it is not as effective in this regard as some other plecos the Common Pleco is often bought for its alga eating abilities. If it's given enough room to grow and flourish in, overall, an excellent community fish.