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  • Pterygoplichthys zuliaensis
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Scientific Name Pterygoplichthys zuliaensis    Weber, 1991
Common Name
Type Locality Río Santa Ana, Maracaibo basin, Hacienda Río Grande, 9°36'20"N, 72°07'00"W, Estado Zulia, Venezuela.
Pronunciation terry gop LICK thees - zoo lee ah en siss
Etymology Greek, pterygion, diminutive of pteryx = wing, fin + Greek, hoplon = weapon + Greek, ichthys = fish. Named after the state in Venezuela where the type locality is.
Hop to next section Species Information
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.
Hop to next section Habitat Information
Distribution South America: Lake Maracaibo basin.
Lake Maracaibo (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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IUCN Red List Category
Vulnerable
, range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2021.
Hop to next section 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.
Hop to next section Further Information
Reference Revue Suisse de Zoologie v. 98 (no. 3), pp 638.
Registered Keepers There is no registered keeper.
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Last Update 2025 Jan 02 01:40 (species record created: 2004 Aug 20 00:00)