Are plecos and armored catfish the same?

What is an armored catfish?

They are referred to as “armored catfish” because they have large boney plates that cover their bodies. Plecos are unique because of their mouthparts, which look like a suction cup and allow them to attach themselves to smooth surfaces in your tank. Their mouths also allow plecos to eat up some (but not all) of the algae on the sides of the tank.

What is a plecostomus catfish?

Download your free Plecostomus guide to learn all about their dietary needs, tank conditions, and more. The plecostomus catfish, or pleco for short, is a name used for the catfishes that belong to the Loricariidae family. In total, there are more than 150 different species; ranging from small to large and peaceful to aggressive catfish.

Why are there so many armored catfish in Texas?

In some Texas rivers, armored catfish have been discovered to make up greater than 50% of the whole fish biomass. After Hurricane Irma in Florida, they have been noticed swimming around flooded driveways and yards. The enlargement of the catfish comes at the expense of native freshwater species.

Do armored catfish live in Florida?

The armored catfish is a popular aquarium fish, attractive to many aquarists because it scrapes algae from the bottom and sides of tanks. Invasive armored catfish have been found in Florida since at least the 1950s in the rivers around Tampa, and they have been recorded in Texas since the 1960s.

What are armored catfish used for in an aquarium?

In home aquariums, they are used to clean the bottom of the aquarium and control algae and detritus build-up. In Florida there are three dominant species of armored catfish swimming in our waters, the Sailfin Catfish, the vermiculated Sailfin and the Hypostomus (Plecos).

What does armored catfish taste like?

Armored catfish have high hemoglobin content, which gives them a firm, hardy texture. The meat is a great substitute for ground meats in burgers, meatballs, or empanadas. Some fishers just open up the belly to take out the guts and then grill or roast the fish whole.

What is the difference between common and sailfin plecostomus?

Sailfin plecostomus split the difference between common and smaller species, topping out around 12 inches ( 31 cm ). Their dorsal fin extends high along their back, creating a “sail” appearance. Common plecos show up in pet stores as juveniles about 3 inches (7.6 cm) long.

Are there armored catfish in Texas?

Invasive armored catfish have been found in Florida since at least the 1950s in the rivers around Tampa, and they have been recorded in Texas since the 1960s.

Can you eat armored catfish from Mexico?

Though it is reviled throughout Mexico, the armored catfish remains popular in freshwater aquariums and is found in many aquarium stores in the US. The armored catfish is consumed in its native South America, especially in rural areas. It’s sold live in markets and eaten whole, grilled, or in soups.

Are’armed catfish’damaging South Florida lakes?

A species of “armored catfish” are damaging South Florida’s lakes, causing coastal erosion and even burrowing holes that trip up humans walking along the water’s edge. Catfish are usually one of the more popular breeds of aquatic life, with their smooth skin and flavorful meat.

What kind of catfish live in Florida?

SPECIES OF THE MONTH: Armored Catfish. These suckermouth catfish are native to tropical South America and Central America and were introduced to Florida back in the 1950’s as part of the growing aquarium trade. In home aquariums, they are used to clean the bottom of the aquarium and control algae and detritus build-up.

Are armored catfish a problem in Florida lakes?

A species of armored catfish called Loricariidae have been wreaking havoc in South Florida’s lakes. Non-native to the waters, the fish have been eating away at the lakes, causing erosion, and are even responsible for tripping humans by burrowing holes along the edge of the water.

Where do armored catfish live in the US?

Invasive range: Texas, Florida, and Hawaii; also Mexico, Guatemala, Taiwan, Singapore, and Philippines The Loricariids, often known as “armored catfish,” are a preferred aquarium fish that use their suckered mouths to wash algae and detritus construct up from the tanks.

What is a cory catfish used for?

Actually, the Cory Catfish is used as an aquarium bottom cleaner fish. Most of its time, is spent scavenging the bottom of the tank for left-overs, and most of all, algae. Actually, a single Cory can clean a 20/30-gallon tank by itself, from all the algae in it. Of course, it’s best if you keep multiple ones in your aquarium.

What do armored catfish eat?

Armored catfish eat algae, invertebrates, and detritus nevertheless, there’s one genus, Panaque, that’s identified for consuming wooden.

Are armored catfish bad for the environment?

While, the armored catfish is a popular aquarium fish because it scrapes algae from the bottom and sides of tanks (called the Nemo Effect). Although, it is now the most destructive invasive fish in the United States and a true danger to our natural waterways.

Are sailfin plecostomus good for a large fish tank?

If you have a large fish tank, and you’re looking for a hardy, attractive community fish that can help to prevent algae from taking over your aquarium, the Sailfin plecostomus or Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps could be exactly what you’re looking for. These bottom-dwelling fish from South America are easy to care for, and they’re long-lived, too.

Are sailfin plecos the same as other plecos?

When it comes to their body shape, the Sailfin Pleco has a lot in common with the rest of the common aquarium plecos such as the Bristlenose, Rubber Lip, and Clown. Their head, body, and fins are all pretty much the same. But there is one big exception.

Why are there so many armored catfish in Texas rivers?

In some Texas rivers, armored catfish have been found to make up more than 50% of the total fish biomass. After Hurricane Irma in Florida, they were spotted swimming around flooded driveways and yards. The expansion of the catfish comes at the expense of native freshwater species.

Is there a South American suckermouth armored catfish?

The South American suckermouth armored catfish, Pterygoplichthys anisitsi (Pisces: Loricaridae), in Texas, with comments on foreign fish introductions in the American Southwest. The Southwestern Naturalist, 46 (1), 98-104. Norris, A. E. 2017.