Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus
Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical
to the image provided
Maximum Size: 30cms
Minimum Tank Volume: 250 litres
Minimum Tank Size: 5ft x 18"
Water Temperature Range: 23-29?C
Water pH Range: 6.5-7.3
Water Hardness Range: 3-10 dGH
General Information: Pterygoplichthys
joselimaianus is very similar to other plecs, with lovely colours (yellow spots
against a dark brown body). This catfish has proved to be hardy and peaceful.
Tank Requirements: See
Minimum Tank Volume and Minimum Tank Size above
Diet Requirements: It
will eat algae whilst ignoring plants (though delicate plants may be uprooted
as it forages), but algae alone is not sufficient and fresh veg such as
courgette, sweet pepper, broccoli and carrot must be offered daily together
with sinking pellets. Live foods, prawns and other protein foods are taken with
relish, particularly as the fish matures.
Compatibility: Suitable
with almost any fish, it is territorial towards its own kind and other
similarly sized plecs, but it otherwise mixes well within a peaceful community.
Recommendations: An
appropriately sized shady retreat is all this fish requires. Will not eat
plants, but any individual larger then 100mm or so may inadvertently pull up
plants that are not entirely established. Larger fish require heavy filtration,
not because they are fussy about water quality, but because of the high volumes
of waste they produce. A good choice for those wanting Gibbiceps looks without
the size problems.
Common Problems: Starvation
and malnutrition. Don't buy one of these just to eat algae. As it grows it will
eat less of that and requires a proper diet of suitable foods as above from day
one. Algae is best tackled with elbow grease!
Similar Species: Pterygoplichthys
gibbiceps, Pterygoplichthys parnaibae, Pterygoplichthys punctatus,
Pterygoplichthys scrophus, Pterygoplichthys pardalis
Sexing: Generally
there is no difference between the sexes, although mature females may be
plumper. It is claimed that the width of the head may also be an indicator
Breeding: Spawning
in a home aquarium would be very difficult to achieve as a large wall of mud
(i.e. a river bank), is tunnelled into and used for the incubation/hatching
process.