Glyptoperichthys gibbiceps

Common Names:

Leopard Pleco
Sailfin Pleco

Synonyms:

Ancistrus gibbiceps
Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps

Family:

Loricariidae

Category:

Catfish_Bottom_Feeders

Distribution:

America - South; Eastern Peru, South America.

Main Ecosystem:

River; River

Temperament:

Peaceful; Peaceful. An excellent choice for community tanks. However, they have been known to occasionally eat small tankmates. Also, they often become aggessive towards other Loricariids, especially if not given enough space.

Diet:

Herbivore; Herbivore

Care:

Vegetable based sinking pellets should be fed at night. Zucchini is also readily accepted. A very large tank is required and driftwood is compulsory for maximum health. The Gibbiceps Pleco is nocturnal and will hide during the day.

pH:

6.5 - 7.5

Temperature:

23°C - 28°C

73°F - 82°F

Hardness:

5 dH - 19 dH

Potential Size:

Male: 50cm (19.7")
Female: 50cm (19.7")

Water Region:

Bottom; Bottom

Activity:

Nocturnal; Nocturnal

Gender:

Not possible to determine.

Breeding:

Very difficult simply due to space constraints. In the wild, they dig or utilize pre-dug caves excavated into the riverbank, amidst flooded charcos of questionable water quality. Thus, provided that size requirements are met, this species is likely fairly easy to spawn, as they are in southeastern Asia.

Variants:

Albino individuals are infrequently available in stores, and they usually command a high price.

Comments:

Rarely available in Australia, the Gibbiceps Pleco is a stunning addition to any large community tank. With captive bred specimens, an albino variety now exists.

Main Colours:

Brown, Black

Markings:

Spots Large

Mouth:

Sucking Disc

Tail:

Convex

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Image Credit:

Submitted By:

Adam

Contributors:

Natalie, Shinigami

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