Marble Sailfin Pleco - Pterygoplichthys Gibbiceps

Marble Sailfin Pleco also known as Pterygoplichthys Gibbiceps. The spotted sailfin pleco can grow up to quite a large size in the aquarium when they are mature, they are sold as small juveniles but make sure that you can house them correctly as adults. Adult specimens can reach a length of up to 50 cm so make sure that the aquarium is three times as long as their length and twice as wide. They are not nocturnal but will hide away a lot on the daytime, provide hiding places by adding décor such as wood or rocks, it is thought that wood is part of their diet helping them to digest their food so bear this in mind.

Origin: 

The spotted sailfin pleco can be found in South America, namely the water ways of the Amazonian and Orinoco basins situated in Brazil, Venezuela, Peru and Ecuador.

Diet:

The spotted sailfin pleco is often added to the aquarium as a cleaner, digesting any algae present but they still have their own dietary needs besides this trait. They are classed as omnivorous and as such require a mix of vegetable matter and meaty foods. They can be fed on chopped earthworms, blood worms or chopped shrimps, for vegetable matter offer them lettuce (not romaine), cucumber, courgettes or blanched spinach. It is best to feed them in the evenings as well as early mornings and younger specimens may require feeding three times a day.

Tank Setup:

Sailfin Plecos require a large aquarium due to their eventual size. A tank size of at least 200 litres (55 gallons) is recommended.

Provide plenty of hiding spots and caves made of driftwood and rocks. They also appreciate areas with dense vegetation.

Water Parameters:

Maintain clean water with good filtration. Sailfin Plecos can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, but they prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.

Keep the water temperature between 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F).

Tank Mates:

They are generally peaceful but may become territorial towards other bottom-dwelling fish. Compatible tank mates include larger peaceful community fish. Avoid keeping them with aggressive or overly territorial species.

Behaviour Traits:

Sailfin Plecos are nocturnal and will spend much of the day hiding in caves or under driftwood.

They are generally peaceful but may become territorial towards other bottom-dwelling fish. Compatible tank mates include larger peaceful community fish.