(Please note that the fish shown in the photo is only a representative of what an adult specimen would look like. The color may vary based on the age and sex of the fish you receive.)
Scientific Name: Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps
Common Name: L165 Sailfin, Butterfly, Gibbiceps, Gibby Pleco
Adult Size: 18 - 20 inches
Life Expectancy: 10+ years
Habitat: Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela where it is found in the Orinoco and Amazon basins
Minimum Tank Size: 100 - 150 gallon
Ideal Tank Conditions:
- Temperature Range: 74 - 84°F
- pH Range: 6.5 - 7.8
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Water Hardness: 5 - 15
Temperament: Generally has a peaceful temperament, making it a popular choice for large community tanks. They are nocturnal, often hiding during the day, and while largely docile, they can be territorial with other bottom-dwellers or plecos, requiring ample space and hiding spots to prevent conflicts.
Diet & Nutrition: Omnivorous, primarily nocturnal catfish that requires a diet high in vegetable matter, supplemented with proteins and wood. Essential nutrition includes sinking algae wafers, fresh vegetables (courgette, cucumber), and occasional frozen foods (bloodworms, shrimp). They need abundant food beyond just algae to prevent starvation.
Breeding & Spawning: Nearly impossible in home aquariums due to their specialized breeding behavior, which involves digging deep, long burrows (up to 1.5 meters) into muddy riverbanks. They are primarily produced in large-scale commercial ponds in Asia and Florida, where they can reach 45 cm+
Gender: Sexing can be difficult, as they show minimal sexual dimorphism until fully mature. Males are generally identified by a small, thick, protruding genital papilla, while females have a recessed or flat, rounded genital area. Mature males may also appear slightly more elongated, while females are broader in the body.
