Order Catfishes ( Siluriformes )
Family Armored Catfishes, or Suckermouth Armored Catfishes ( Loricariidae )
Subfamily Hypostominae ( Hypostominae )
Continued…
Genus Pterygoplichthys — Pterygoplichthys.
— Gold Spot Pleco — Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus [Weber, 1991]. Synonym: Glyptoperichthys joselimaianus. (English: Gold Spot Pleco, Marbled Sailfin Pleco). (L 001, L 022). Bolivia. 20-30 cm. Very similar to the common sailfin pleco. Unlike the common sailfin pleco, the chocolate-brown body of this catfish lacks clearly defined rounded spots, appearing instead as if covered with a golden-yellow net with irregular-shaped cells. These spots disappear with age, and large specimens turn completely black. Depending on the fish’s mood, its coloration may lighten locally, creating the impression that the catfish is sick.
The dorsal fin is very large, sail-like, with a golden reticulated pattern. An orange border runs along its upper edge. The caudal fin is large, with the upper part slanted toward the head. With age, a short filament grows on it. The rear edge of the fin has an orange border. Males are larger than females, with enlarged first rays of the pectoral fins covered in large spicules. In the aquarium, cases of intraspecific aggression are common, intensifying when food is scarce.
It leads a nocturnal and crepuscular lifestyle. Once accustomed to captivity, it may emerge from hiding places during the day. Compatible with most other fishes. May damage delicate plants. Driftwood and rock pile shelters are necessary. Filtration, aeration, weekly water changes. Omnivorous, eats almost everything. dH 4-20°; pH 6.5-8.2; T 22-29°C.
— Orinoco Sailfin Catfish — Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus [Hancock, 1828]. (English: Orinoco Sailfin Catfish). Guyana, Northern Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay. 30-50 cm. Beige-orange with a speckled head and 9-11 irregular rows of brown-black spots along the body. The fins are also spotted. During the breeding season, fierce fights break out between males, often ending in the death of one of the rivals. Aquarium from 300 liters. pH 6.5-7.8; T 23-27°C.
— Amazon Sailfin Catfish — Pterygoplichthys pardalis [Castlenau, 1855]. Synonyms: Hypostomus, Liposarcus pardalis, Liposarcus jeanesianus, varius. (English: Amazon Sailfin Catfish). (L 021, L 023). Widely distributed in the Amazon River system. 40-50 cm. This variety is most likely to be confused with P. disjunctivus, which has a belly pattern consisting of wavy stripes. Coloration is highly variable: the body is brownish or dark gray with black spots of various sizes, similar to leopard coloration. Albinos have been artificially bred.
They require a large aquarium. Territorial with its own species. The tank should be dimly lit with plenty of driftwood and rocks to provide necessary hiding spots. Large plastic or ceramic pipes are the best shelters for them. Substrate of pebbles or gravel; they move sand around a lot. Due to the large amount of waste this fish produces, a powerful and efficient filtration system is required. Extremely hardy and adaptable, they can tolerate high ammonia/nitrite levels.
In their natural habitat, this species feeds on algae, aquatic plants, and other plant matter, as well as small crustaceans. Omnivorous, they are good algae eaters at a young age. Supplemental plant-based nutrition is an absolute necessity. Adult fish will eradicate all vegetation. They grow very slowly. They live up to 20 years. pH 5.5-8.0; dH 5-18°; T 22-26°C.
Identification: Genus Pterygoplichthys — Pterygoplichthys.
Genus Apistoloricaria, Genus Brochiloricaria, Genus Crossoloricaria.
Pterygoplichthys anisitsi, Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps. 
