{"product_id":"sailfin-pleco-pterygoplichthys-gibbiceps","title":"Sailfin Pleco | Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Sailfin Pleco unfurls a magnificent, high spotted dorsal fin and grows into a true gentle giant. Reaching around 45 cm and occasionally more, it is a peaceful algae-grazer strictly for big tanks — a spectacular, long-lived catfish that needs serious space and heavy filtration to do well. Bought small it looks manageable, but plan for its full adult size.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePterygoplichthys gibbiceps comes from the rivers and flooded forests of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. It lives among submerged wood and root tangles in warm, well-oxygenated water, rasping algae, biofilm and detritus from surfaces and driftwood, which forms an important part of its diet and digestion.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA large, armour-plated suckermouth catfish patterned in bold dark spots and reticulations over a tan-to-brown body. The standout feature is the tall, sail-like dorsal fin that gives the species its name, held erect when the fish is relaxed. Adults are heavy-bodied and powerful.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeaceful towards other fish, but it can be territorial with other large plecos or bottom-dwellers, so give it space and its own hiding spots. Its size means small tankmates are safe from being eaten, but a big adult can accidentally jostle delicate fish. It suits robust, medium-to-large community tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimarily a herbivore that also takes some protein. Offer algae wafers and quality sinking pellets as a staple, plus plenty of fresh vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber and spinach. Provide driftwood to rasp, which aids digestion, and include occasional frozen bloodworm or brine shrimp. A vegetable-rich diet keeps it healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis fish needs a large tank — a minimum of around 285 L for a single adult, with 400 L or larger strongly recommended. Keep temperature at 23–29 °C, pH 6.5–7.4 and soft to moderately hard water, GH around 4–18. Strong filtration and good oxygenation are essential, as it is a heavy waste producer. It is not plant safe: a large, hungry herbivore will graze on and dislodge soft plants, so use hardy or artificial plants and plenty of driftwood.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eRarely bred in home aquariums. In the wild it excavates and spawns in burrows dug into riverbanks, and the male guards the eggs — conditions that are impractical to reproduce in a tank. Commercial fish are farm-raised in large ponds, so aquarium breeding is essentially not achievable at home.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003ctable\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePterygoplichthys gibbiceps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSailfin Pleco, Leopard Sailfin Plec (L083\/L165)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmazon and Orinoco basins, South America\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 45 cm, up to 50 cm+\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15–20 years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful (territorial with other large plecos)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner to intermediate (size commitment)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e285 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e400 L or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHerbivore-leaning omnivore: algae wafers, sinking pellets, fresh vegetables, driftwood, occasional frozen foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23–29 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5–7.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoft to moderately hard, around 4–18 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLarge, well-filtered community aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo (grazes on and dislodges soft plants)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003c\/table\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include larger tetras and barbs, rainbowfish, robust cichlids, larger gouramis and other big, peaceful community fish.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with other large plecos in tight quarters, very small or delicate fish, and highly aggressive cichlids. Not suitable for small tanks or heavily planted aquascapes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232801603875,"sku":"BA9320","price":42.49,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232801636643,"sku":"AA2714","price":69.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232801669411,"sku":null,"price":79.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-40cm)","offer_id":55351965614371,"sku":null,"price":139.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Sailfin_Pleco_30cm_14c8a747-14ed-4e65-89dd-3f6eee0146cb.jpg?v=1781699151","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/sailfin-pleco-pterygoplichthys-gibbiceps","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}