AquaticRepublic.com - Pterygoplichthys etentaculatus (Loricariidae) All Fishes

Rio Carinhanha, 30cm max length

All Fishes Data Sheet
Scientific Name	**Pterygoplichthys etentaculatus** (Spix & Agassiz, 1829)
Common Name
Type Locality	Rio São Francisco, Januaria, Minas Gerais State, Brazil.
Synonym(s)	Ancistrus longimanus, Glyptoperichthys duodecimalis, Hypostoma etentaculatum, Hypostomus brevitentaculatus, Hypostomus duodecimalis, Pterygoplichthys duodecimalis
Pronunciation	terry gop LICK thees - ee tent ack you la tuss
Etymology	Greek, pterygion, diminutive of pteryx = wing, fin + Greek, hoplon = weapon + Greek, ichthys = fish.
Species Information
Size	300mm or 11.8" 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).
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: São Francisco River basin. São Francisco (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.
pH	6.2 - 7.8
Temperature	22.0-30.0°C or 71.6-86°F (Show species within this range)
Other Parameters	dH 25
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	Selecta genera et species piscium quos in itinere per Brasiliam, pp 7, Pl. 4 (figs. 1-2).
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.
Forum BBCode

	Look up P. etentaculatus on PlanetCatfish.com
	Look up P. etentaculatus on Fishbase
	Look up P. etentaculatus on Encyclopedia of Life
	Look up P. etentaculatus on Global Biodiversity Information Facility
	LFS label creator ARN ref:1.4.6.1348
Last Update	2025 Jan 02 01:36 (species record created: 2006 Dec 24 15:10)