Family: Loricariidae
Pterygoplichthys pardalis — a Loricariidae from South America. Reaches 37.5–55 cm; keep at 22–30 °C.
Pterygoplichthys pardalis, 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 gibbiceps.
Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful; territorial over a favourite cave. Singles, pairs or small groups.
Hold 22–30 °C and keep it stable — 22–30 °C curated husbandry range. Heater for stable tropical warmth.
Adults reach 37.5–55 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 500 litres.
Herbivorous-leaning omnivore; algae and sinking foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Peaceful; territorial over a favourite cave; singles, pairs or small groups. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from 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.