Is an armored catfish a plecostomus?

What type of fish is Hypostomus?

Hypostomus plecostomus, also known as the suckermouth catfish or the common pleco, is a tropical fish belonging to the armored catfish family (Loricariidae), named for the armor-like longitudinal rows of scutes that cover the upper parts of the head and body (the lower surface of head and abdomen is naked).

Do you have a plecostomus in your aquarium?

Despite the unexpected adult size, common plecostomus find their way into many community aquariums. The unique appearance of these suckermouth catfish appeals to many aquarists. Not to mention that handy habit of clearing out algae. Do you have a pleco in your tank?

Is it Pterygoplichthys or Hypostomus?

Historically, members of the loricariid genus Pterygoplichthys have often been misidentified as Hypostomus spp. ( USGS NAS, 2015 ). Introduced populations of species from both genera exist in many countries, although this has been best documented in the USA.

Can Hypostomus plecostomus jump out of the tank?

Hypostomus Plecostomus can jump out of the tank, so you need to cover it with something. Due to a large amount of waste, high-quality filtration is required. The temperature of the water should be within 19–26 degrees, the recommended acidity is 6.5–8.0 pH.

Where do Hypostomus fish live?

Hypostomus sp. are found living in areas where waters reach 32°C ( Barletta et al., 2000 ). Hypostomus sp. are tolerant of cooler temperatures (16°C) though at 13°C they exhibit a distinctive reddening of fins due to cold stress ( Grier, 1980; Hoover et al., 2014 ).

Where is Hypostomus plecostomus found in Texas?

Although H. plecostomus was reported from Indian Spring, Nevada, in 1983, the single specimen was later determined to be an unidentified species of Hypostomus and not H. plecostomus ( USGS NAS, 2015 ). H. plecostomus was first recorded in Texas in the headwaters of the San Antonio River (Bexar County) in 1962 ( Howells, 2005 ).

What are plecostomus catfish?

These unique catfish aid aquarists with algae control in their aquariums. They have armored plates covering most of their bodies and suckers surrounding their mouths, which aid in their feeding habits. The common plecostomus – or “ pleco ” as most people refer to them – represents the most popular addition to community aquariums.

What kind of fish is plecostomus?

Common pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) is a type of suckermouth catfish, which is often encountered in home aquaria. Many aquarists have had this fish or saw it on sale. This catfish may be a troublesome tank dweller for an aquarist. Usually plecostomus is bought as a juvenile, when it is about 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) long.

Do plecostomus need snags in a tank?

Snags in a tank are not only shelters for the fish, but also this is where algae grows fast and they also contain cellulose that the fish needs to have good digestion. Tank volume is important for plecostomus. It should be at least 300 liters large and as the fish grows, it’ll need a bigger tank – up to 800-1000 liters capacity.

What is the difference between plecostomus and Pterygoplichthys?

In comparison with Pterygoplichthys sp., H. plecostomus is usually shorter and stouter, the head is broader relative to the length and there are small discrete dark spots on the head ( Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2015 ).

What kind of fish is Pterygoplichthys?

Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus, often sold as a common pleco, is an aquarium fish often purchased as an algae eater. P. gibbiceps has been bred commercially in fish farms in Florida and Malaysia for the aquarium trade.

What is Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus?

Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus is one of several tropical fish commonly known as Orinoco sailfin catfish, plecostomus (or plecos ). It belongs to the armored catfish family ( Loricariidae ).

How do you differentiate plecostomus from Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus?

A commonly-introduced species of the latter genus, Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus, may also be differentiated from H. plecostomus by the connection of the last dorsal ray by a small membrane to the base of the following bony plate. The species also has a granular edge on the snout ( Page and Burr, 1991 ).

Can Hypostomus plecostomus breathe air?

Hypostomus plecostomus is one of many species of fish that is able to breathe air. Hypostomus plecostomus relies on its gills for respiration in normal and slightly hypoxic water, and the less oxygen present in the water, the more frequently it surfaces to breathe air .

How common are plecostomus in the US?

Plecos are common in the aquarium trade, and tank dumps are a primary factor into their introduction intho the United States. Perhaps the most ubiquitous species, Hypostomus plecostomus, was found in the headwaters of the San Antonio River in 1962, after individuals escaped the San Antonio Zoo.

Are Hypostomus plecostomus territorial fish?

Hypostomus Plecostomus is a territorial fish, he doesn’t tolerate different males of his species and might prepare actual fights with relations, perceiving strangers as rivals. Choosing tank mates, you need to take into consideration their size.

Did Hypostomus displace algae-feeding native fish in Texas?

Impact of Introduction: In Texas, Hubbs et al. (1978) reported possible local displacement of algae-feeding native fishes such as Campostoma anomalum by Hypostomus, and López-Fernández and Winemiller (2005) suggest that reductions in Dionda diaboli abundance in portions of San Felipe Creek are the result of population increases of Hypostomus.

How big do plecostomus catfish grow?

Usually plecostomus is bought as a juvenile, when it is about 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) long. But it grows fast and can become up to 60 cm (24 inches) long, though in tanks it is as a rule about 30 cm (15 inches) long. This catfish is easy to keep in a tank provided with a diet rich in algae or fed with special food for catfish.

Is plecostomus an algae eater?

The plecostomus is one of the most popular species of algae eater for the freshwater tank. To ensure that your pleco is properly cared for, learn everything you can about this species. When you think of algae eaters for the freshwater tank, you probably picture the Plecostomus.

Is Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus a pleco?

Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus, often sold as a common pleco, is an aquarium fish often purchased as an algae eater. P. gibbiceps has been bred commercially in fish farms in Florida and Malaysia for the aquarium trade. P. multiradiatus and P. pardalis are both known as common plecos and are widely sold as algae eaters.

What is a Pterygoplichthys fish?

Pterygoplichthys or commonly known as Janitor fish is a genus of South American armoured catfishes. These fish are commonly known as sailfin armoured catfish or sailfin plecs. The name Pterygoplichthys is derived from the Greek πτέρυγ- (pteryg-), meaning “wing”, (hoplon) – weapon and ἰχθύς (ichthys) meaning “fish”.

How do you identify a Pterygoplichthys?

Pterygoplichthys can be differentiated from most other loricariids due to their large dorsal fins with 9 or more (usually 10) dorsal fin rays, which gives them their common name “sailfin catfish”. These fish have rows of armour plating covering the body; the abdomen is almost completely covered in small plates.

What is Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus?

Ecology: Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus is a benthic forager, using its suctorial mouth to attach to surfaces and consuming detritus and algae.