Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus (Hancock, 1828)
Orinoco sailfin catfish
photo by Sabaj PĂ©rez, M.H.

Family:  Loricariidae (Armored catfishes), subfamily: Hypostominae
Max. size:  50 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; pH range: 6.5 - 7.80000019073486; dH range: 4 - 20
Distribution:  South America: Orinoco River basin. Reported from Argentina (Ref. 9086). Introduced and have established in Taiwan, mainland USA and Hawaii (Refs. 5723, 44091, 58503).
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Occurs in streams and lakes (Ref. 44091) and in weedy, mud-bottomed canals (Ref. 5723). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Nocturnal, feeds on algae (Ref. 13371), but will also feed on worms, insect larvae, and other bottom-dwelling aquatic animals (Ref. 44091). Spawning period peaks once a year (Ref. 56986). Reproductive behavior includes digging of burrows for egg laying (Ref. 82067). May exhibit male parental care (Ref. 56986).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 24 August 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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