{"product_id":"fine-line-pleco-pterygoplichthys-gibbiceps","title":"Fine Line Pleco | Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Sailfin Pleco unfurls a magnificent, boldly-spotted dorsal fin like a sail and grows into a genuine gentle giant. A peaceful, hard-working algae-grazer, it is a superb centrepiece for a big tank only — this fish can reach 40-45cm, so give it serious room before you commit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePterygoplichthys gibbiceps is native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America, where it lives among submerged wood and leaf litter in slow to moderately flowing rivers, rasping algae and biofilm from surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA large, armoured suckermouth catfish patterned in a dense leopard-spot mesh of dark markings over a tan base. Its most striking feature is the tall, spotted sailfin dorsal it raises when alert. A truly impressive adult.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeaceful toward other fish, though it can be mildly territorial with other bottom-dwellers and plecos over favoured spots. It ignores mid- and upper-water tankmates. The main compatibility issue is simply its size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA herbivore-leaning omnivore. Provide algae wafers, spirulina, blanched vegetables such as zucchini and cucumber, and driftwood to rasp, with occasional sinking meaty foods. It needs real vegetable matter to thrive, not just leftovers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeeds a very large tank with strong filtration, high oxygen and driftwood — it is a heavy waste producer that demands good water changes. Provide soft to neutral, well-oxygenated water. Undemanding in terms of water chemistry, but the space and filtration required make it a serious commitment despite being beginner-friendly to feed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA cave and burrow spawner in the wild, digging tunnels in riverbanks. It is essentially not bred in home aquaria and is farmed commercially in ponds, so aquarium breeding should not be expected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePterygoplichthys gibbiceps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSailfin \/ Leopard Pleco (L083\/L165)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmazon and Orinoco basins, South America\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40-45cm (up to 50cm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15-20 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful (mildly territorial with other plecos)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner (but needs a very large tank)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e400 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e600 litres+\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHerbivore-leaning omnivore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23-28°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5-7.8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5-20 dGH (soft to moderately hard)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLarge tanks; big cichlid and community setups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMostly — may dislodge plants and rasp soft leaves as it grows\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eLarger peaceful and semi-aggressive community fish, big cichlids, large barbs, rainbowfish and other robust tankmates that share its space needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSmall, delicate fish in cramped tanks, and other large plecos in tanks without enough space and hiding spots to avoid squabbles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize options reflect the sizes we stock; any shown as sold out will return as we restock. Australian livestock for in-store collection or local delivery, with our live arrival guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232802914595,"sku":null,"price":39.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232802947363,"sku":"AA2382","price":44.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232802980131,"sku":null,"price":49.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-40cm)","offer_id":55351965679907,"sku":null,"price":54.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Fineline_Pleco_f2a23fa5-d340-468d-9881-2bc037a0e70b.jpg?v=1781699154","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/fine-line-pleco-pterygoplichthys-gibbiceps","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}