Family: Loricariidae
Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps — a Loricariidae from South America. Reaches 37.5–55 cm; keep at 22–30 °C.
Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps, a member of the family Loricariidae, comes from South America, where it inhabits rocky and woody stretches of streams. Peaceful; territorial over a favourite cave and herbivorous-leaning omnivore; algae and sinking foods, it grows to 37.5–55 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 22–30 °C range. Other Pterygoplichthys species in our database include Pterygoplichthys pardalis.
Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful; territorial over a favourite cave. Singles, pairs or small groups.
Set the heater to 22–30 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–7.5, GH 5–18 dGH suit it.
Full size is 37.5–55 cm. Minimum tank: 500 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.
Herbivorous-leaning omnivore; algae and sinking foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.
Peaceful; territorial over a favourite cave. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
Comes from South America: rocky and woody stretches of streams. Expect moderate current with well-oxygenated water and appreciates high dissolved oxygen.
Cave spawner; male guards the clutch. Males develop odontodes on the snout.