Popular Name: Leopard Sailfin Pleco Species: Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps
Picture of a Leopard Sailfin Pleco
Leopard Sailfin Pleco
Description of the Leopard Sailfin Pleco
The Leopard Sailfin Pleco also known as a Clown Pleco, Leopard Sailfin Catfish, or 'Gibby' is a very popular tropical aquarium fish mainly due to its algae eating ability! Its natural environment is the Amazon river basin in South America but it adapts well to aquarium life and is relatively easy to keep. They are more active at night and tend to spend the day hiding under rocks so it is important to provide plenty of hiding places for them in the tropical tank.
Profile of the Leopard Sailfin Pleco
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Leopard Sailfin Pleco species.
Size: Up to 50cm
Temperament: Peaceful Fish, can be aggressive towards other Plecos
Diet / Feeding: Algae Wafers, Vegetable Based Fish food
Habitat: Fresh water river beds
Behaviour: Good community fish
Range: Amazon river basin, South America
Scientific Classification of the Leopard Sailfin Pleco
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.
Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Leopard Sailfin Pleco?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!
Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Leopard Sailfin Pleco slimy?
Leopard Sailfin Pleco secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Leopard Sailfin Pleco to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young. Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Leopard Sailfin Pleco have gills?
Gills enable the Leopard Sailfin Pleco to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.
Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Leopard Sailfin Pleco have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:
Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Leopard Sailfin Pleco has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.
Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Leopard Sailfin Pleco has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.
Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Leopard Sailfin PlecoFish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.
Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Leopard Sailfin Pleco has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement.
Leopard Sailfin Pleco
Interesting Information about the Leopard Sailfin Pleco
Facts about Fish Species - Why are Leopard Sailfin Pleco slimy?
Why do the Leopard Sailfin Pleco have gills?
Facts about Fish Species - Why do the Leopard Sailfin Pleco have fins?
