Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps (Pleco Royal)

Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps (Pleco Royal)

Description

Fish that likes to hide on a peat bog root. He has a big head with a suction cup in a mouth guide which serves him to scrape the seaweed and a fairly long body with a superb dorsal fin. Color: Brown with large black dots.

The Pterygoplichthys Gibbiceps, also known as giant Balayer Fish, is a fish from the Loricariidae family from South America. This fish is characterized by its large size, up to 60 cm in length, and by its massive and rounded head. His mouth is equipped with large suction cups and powerful jaws, allowing him to hang on to various surfaces and eat molluscs and algae.

The pterygoplichthys Gibbiceps has an elongated and thick body covered with thorny scales, giving it great resistance. Its color generally varies from gray-green to dark brown, with darker stripes on the back and sides. The caudal fin is wide and rounded, allowing it to propel effectively in water.

This fish is mainly present in rivers and lakes in South America, especially in Colombia, Peru and Bolivia. It is suitable for fresh and shallow waters, and tends to take refuge in shaded places such as the roots of trees or rocks. The pterygoplichthys Gibbiceps is a gregarious fish and can live in a group of several individuals.

The pterygoplichthys Gibbiceps is an omnivorous fish that feeds mainly on molluscs, algae and aquatic plants. His mouth with suction cups allows him to fix on the surfaces and grate the bark of the trees to feed on the foam that is there. This fish is also able to feed on small crustaceans and invertebrates.

The pterygoplichthys Gibbiceps is a little demanding fish in aquarium, but it needs sufficient space to swim and move. A 100 -liter aquarium is recommended for a single individual, with a water temperature between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius. The pterygoplichthys Gibbiceps is a peaceful fish that can cohabit with other species, but it can become aggressive towards smaller fish.

In summary, the Pterygoplichthys Gibbiceps is a large fish native to South America, characterized by its massive head and its mouth with suction cups.

Origin

Features

  • Adult size : 60 cm
  • Behaviour : Pleasant
  • Food : Herbivore

Water

  • Water type : Freshwater, hot
  • Temperature : 19 - 28 °C
  • pH : 6.4 - 7.7
  • Minimum aquarium capacity (in liters) : 180

Dimorphism

Unknown.

Reproduction

Unknown.

Contribution

  • Created by : hemichromis
  • Last update : 06/12/2022

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