AquaticRepublic.com - Pterygoplichthys parnaibae (Loricariidae) All Fishes

Close-up of head
Dorsal view
Ventral view
Juvenile

All Fishes Data Sheet
Scientific Name	**Pterygoplichthys parnaibae** (Weber, 1991)
Common Name
Type Locality	Lac de Parnaguá, Rio Paraim, Parnaíba basin, Maranhão, Brazil.
Synonym(s)	Glyptoperichthys parnaibae, Glyptoperichthys parnaibe
Pronunciation	terry gop LICK thees
Etymology	Greek, pterygion, diminutive of pteryx = wing, fin + Greek, hoplon = weapon + Greek, ichthys = fish. Genus: Greek, glyptes = carver + Greek,peri = around + Greek, ichthys = fish
Species Information
Size	290mm or 11.4" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification	Pterygoplichthys can be identified by the number of rays in the dorsal fin. Ten or more dorsal rays (usually more than 10) indicates that it's a Pterygoplichthys. Most other plecos have 8 or fewer rays (in particular the larger Hypostomus species that are most likely to be confused with Pterygoplichthys). Diagnosis (translated from French): Pterygoplichthys parnaibae is distinguished by a dark coat with clear spots and vermiculations on the whole body and fins, associated with the presence of a high preoperculum and garnished with numerous hooks, particularly developed on the upper part of its posterior margin. P. parnaibae bears a similar appearance with P. joselimaianus and P. lituratus. The three are collected from different waterways, with P. parnaibae originating in the Rio Parnaiba basin in the state of Maranhao, P. joselimaianus originating in the Rio Tocantins basin in the state of Goias, and P. lituratus originating in the Rio Madiera basin, States of Rondonia and Mato Grosso.
Sexing	Comparison of the genital papilla in mature fish shows the differences in the sexes to the trained eye. In males this is a small yet thick stump which noticeably protrudes from the fish's undercarriage. In females it is less obvious and is recessed or lies flat with the body.
Habitat Information
Distribution	South America: Parnaíba River basin. Piauí Rivers, Parnaíba (click on these areas to find other species found there) Login to view the map.
IUCN Red List Category	Least Concern , range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2018.
Husbandry Information
Feeding	Omnivorous and a good algae eater, especially when young. User data.
Suggested Tankmates	Almost any medium sized community fish.
Breeding	Unreported.
Breeding Reports	There is no breeding report.
Further Information
Reference	Revue Suisse de Zoologie v. 98 (no. 3), pp 641.
Registered Keepers	There is no registered keeper.
Wishlists	Love this species? Click the heart to add it to your wish list. There is no wish to keep this species.
Spotters	Spotted this species somewhere? Click the binoculars! There is but a single record of this fish being seen, view it.
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	Look up P. parnaibae on PlanetCatfish.com
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	Look up P. parnaibae on Encyclopedia of Life
	Look up P. parnaibae on Global Biodiversity Information Facility
	LFS label creator ARN ref:1.4.6.1884
Last Update	2025 Jan 02 01:41 (species record created: 2006 Jul 14 00:00)