Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus

Taxobox
name = "P. multiradiatus"

---

image_width = 240px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Siluriformes
familia = Loricariidae
genus = "Pterygoplichthys"
species = "P. multiradiatus"
binomial = "Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus"
binomial_authority = (Hancock, 1828)

"Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus" is a tropical fish known as a Plecostomus belonging to the armored catfish family (Loricariidae). Named for its sail-like dorsal fin, the part of its scientific name "multiradiatus" means "many-rayed" and refers to the rays of the dorsal fin. "P. multiradiatus" is one of a number of species commonly referred to as the common pleco by aquarists.FishBase_species|genus=Pterygoplichthys|species=multiradiatus|year=2004|month=September]

Other scientific names that were used (as synonyms) for "P. multiradiatus" include "Hypostomus multiradiatus", "Ancistrus multiradiatus", and "Liposarcus multiradiatus". "P. multiradiatus" is sometimes confused with "Pterygoplichthys pardalis", which is a different species of pleco. "P. multiradiatus" goes by a number of common names. It can be called the "long-fin armored catfish" in Hawaii, "sailfin catfish", "sailfish catfish", "many-rayed (multiradiatus) pleco" or "radiated ptero" in the USA, and 多輻翼甲鯰 in Mandarin Chinese.

"P. multiradiatus" is mottled brown/black and inhabits freshwater streams and lakes and in weedy, mud-bottomed canals in its native habitat: the Orinoco River basin in South America. Its geographic distribution is 10°N - 1°N, 68°W - 61°W. This tropical, nocturnal bottom-dweller likes warm water at the temperature range of 23 - 27°C, pH range: 6.5 - 7.8, and dH range: 4 - 20.

"P. multiradiatus" browses on substrate, mainly feeding on benthic algae and aquatic weeds, but will also take worms, insect larvae and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates as food.

One of the large plecos (growing to a maximum of 50 cm), this species likes solitude, is relatively peaceful as an aquarium fish and does well with cichlids and other big fish, and should be kept in large tanks only and with plenty of rocks and driftwood in which to hide.

"P. multiradiatus" is not of interest in the fisheries, but is very important, as with many of the plecos, in the aquarium trade.

This species has been introduced to Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Florida.cite journal |title=The South American Sailfin Armored Catfish, Liposarcus multiradiatus (Hancock), a New Exotic Established in Puerto Rican Fresh Waters| author=LUCY BUNKLEY-WILLIAMS, ERNEST H. WILLIAMS, JR., CRAIG G. LILYSTROM,IRIS CORUJO -FLORES, ALFONSO J. ZERBI, CATHERINE ALIAUME,AND TIMOTHY N. CHURCHILL.| publisher=Caribbean Journal of Science| date=1994 |url=http://www.uprm.edu/publications/cjs/VOL30/P090-094.PDF]

ee also

*List of freshwater aquarium fish species

References

*ITIS|ID=553393|taxon=Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus|year=2007|date=04 Mar
*ITIS | ID = 164375 | taxon = "Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus" | year = 2007 | date = 04 Mar

Notes