Gold Spot Pleco L001, L022
Alternative Name(s): Common Plec (misnomer)
Scientific Name(s): Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus
Category: Tropical
Difficulty:
Maximum Size: 30cms
Minimum Tank Volume: 250 litres
Minimum Tank Size: 5ft x 18"
Water Temperature Range: 23-29°C
Water pH Range: 6.5-7.3
Water Hardness Range: 3-10 dGH
General Information: Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus is very similar to other plecs, with lovely colours (yellow spots against a dark brown body). This catfish has proved to be hardy and peaceful.
Tank Requirements: See Minimum Tank Volume and Minimum Tank Size above
Diet Requirements: It will eat algae whilst ignoring plants (though delicate plants may be uprooted as it forages), but algae alone is not sufficient and fresh veg such as courgette, sweet pepper, broccoli and carrot must be offered daily together with sinking pellets. Live foods, prawns and other protein foods are taken with relish, particularly as the fish matures.
Compatibility: Suitable with almost any fish, it is territorial towards its own kind and other similarly sized plecs, but it otherwise mixes well within a peaceful community.
Recommendations: An appropriately sized shady retreat is all this fish requires. Will not eat plants, but any individual larger then 100mm or so may inadvertently pull up plants that are not entirely established. Larger fish require heavy filtration, not because they are fussy about water quality, but because of the high volumes of waste they produce. A good choice for those wanting Gibbiceps looks without the size problems.
Common Problems: Starvation and malnutrition. Don't buy one of these just to eat algae. As it grows it will eat less of that and requires a proper diet of suitable foods as above from day one. Algae is best tackled with elbow grease!
Similar Species: Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps, Pterygoplichthys parnaibae, Pterygoplichthys punctatus, Pterygoplichthys scrophus, Pterygoplichthys pardalis
Sexing: Generally there is no difference between the sexes, although mature females may be plumper. It is claimed that the width of the head may also be an indicator
Breeding: Spawning in a home aquarium would be very difficult to achieve as a large wall of mud (i.e. a river bank), is tunnelled into and used for the incubation/hatching process.
Author(s): Goldy, Fishlady | Photo: | Views: 77963
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