Pterygoplichthys

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Pterygoplichthys
Pterygoplichthys sp.jpg
Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Siluriformes
Family: Loricariidae
Subfamily: Hypostominae
Tribe: Pterygoplichthyini
Genus: Pterygoplichthys
T. N. Gill, 1858
Type species
Hypostomus duodecimalis
Spix & Agassiz, 1829

Pterygoplichthys, sometimes collectively known as janitor fish, is a genus of South American armored catfishes. [1] These fish are commonly known as sailfin armoured catfish or sailfin plecs, especially in the aquarium trade.

Contents

Etymology

Pterygoplichthys is derived from the Greek πτέρυγ- (pteryg-), meaning "wing", (hoplon) - weapon and ἰχθύς (ichthys) meaning "fish".

Taxonomy

Pterygoplichthys has undergone much shifting in the past decades. Previously Liposarcus, Glyptoperichthys and Pterygoplichthys had been named as separate genera. [2] [3] Since then, these genera were recognized as synonyms of Pterygoplichthys by Armbruster, as the few differences between the genera were not deemed great enough to validate Glyptoperichthys and Liposarcus, and that recognizing these separate genera would leave neither Pterygoplichthys nor Glyptoperichthys as monophyletic. [4] [5]

Species

There are currently 16 recognized species in this genus: [6]

Appearance and anatomy

In P. gibbiceps, a crest exists over the back of the skull that was used to distinguish Glyptoperichthys species from Pterygoplichthys species. Glonojad w powiekszeniu w Lodzkim ZOO.jpg
In P. gibbiceps , a crest exists over the back of the skull that was used to distinguish Glyptoperichthys species from Pterygoplichthys species.

Pterygoplichthys can be differentiated from most other loricariids due to their large dorsal fins with 9 or more (usually 10) dorsal fin rays, which gives them their common name "sailfin catfish". [7] These fish have rows of armour plating covering the body; the abdomen is almost completely covered in small plates. [5] Other characteristics of members of this genus include an underslung suckermouth, evertable cheek plates, adipose fin present, and an enlarged stomach connected to the dorsal abdominal wall by a connective tissue sheet. P. anisitsi, P. disjunctivus, P. multiradiatus, and P. pardalis lack cheek odontodes, but still possess the evertible cheek plates; this was previously used as a trait to determine these fish as part of the genus Liposarcus. [5] Species of the P. gibbiceps group (species formerly classified in the genus Glyptoperichthys) are easily recognized by a large crest above the back of their skull. [5]

Color pattern is generally dark brown with either darker spots or lighter spots or vermiculations. [5] The adult size of a member of Pterygoplichthys can range from about 50–70 cm.

The stomach of Pterygoplichthys is greatly expanded with the posterior portion forming a long, thin sac that is highly vascularized. [8]

Distribution and habitat

Pterygoplichthys' habitat is most common in sluggish streams, floodplain lakes, and marshes. They are known from the Orinoco, Amazon, Magdalena, Maracaibo, Paraná, Parnaíba and São Francisco systems. [5] [9]

These fish have been introduced into many locations. Several species of Pterygoplichthys have been established in the United States in Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, and Texas. [10] Established species include P. multiradiatus in Florida and Hawaii, P. disjunctivus in Florida, and P. anisitsi in Texas. [11] Sailfin catfish are one of the more successful established exotic fish in Florida in terms of their range extension and abundance, yet their presence has not had any measurable effect on native fishes, although they have contributed significantly to the carrying capacity of some fish communities. Moreover, none of the 30 professional water managers, engineers, lake management, and shoreline stabilization company owners contacted in 2004 by a particular study considered erosion caused by the burrowing activity of loricariid catfishes a major problem, except in some man-made lakes in the southeastern part of the state. [12]

In Mexico, P. multiradiatus is established in Campeche, Chiapas, and other localities in central and western Mexico, while P. pardalis has been found in southeastern Mexico. [13] In the Philippines, where these fish are known as janitor fish, P. disjunctivus and P. pardalis have been found, these fish are considered a threat to the freshwater fish population; they are found in the Marikina River, Laguna de Bay and the Pasig River. [10] P. multiradiatus has also been established in Puerto Rico and Taiwan. [14] [15]

In 2022 Hungary the species was first discovered in Lake Hévíz. After catching an documenting several more specimens the species could be identified with certainty. It was also established that the species has successfully colonised he lake and has been declared an invasive species.[1]

Ecology

Their primary food is plant matter. Their diet consists of algae, aufwuchs, general plant matter and possibly carrion. They are grazing animals or scavengers as opposed to predator fish.

Pterygoplichthys are known for being kept out of water and sold alive in fish markets, surviving up to 30 hours out of water. [8] Males excavate tunnels into mud banks where eggs are laid. [5]

In the aquarium

Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus, often sold as a common pleco, is an aquarium fish often purchased as an algae eater. Liposarcus multiradiatus 01 ssj 20050321.jpg
Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus , often sold as a common pleco, is an aquarium fish often purchased as an algae eater.

P. gibbiceps has been bred commercially in fish farms in Florida and Malaysia for the aquarium trade. P. multiradiatus and P. pardalis are both known as common plecos and are widely sold as algae eaters. However, most of them grow too large to be housed in an average home aquarium. In fact, in the wild, the Common Pleco can well exceed 2 feet in length, and, as well as growing large, they also produce a lot of waste that can pollute the water.

Trivia

Related Research Articles

<i>Ancistrus</i> Genus of fishes

Ancistrus is a genus of nocturnal freshwater fish in the family Loricariidae of order Siluriformes, native to freshwater habitats in South America and Panama. Fish of this genus are common in the aquarium trade where they are known as bushynose or bristlenose catfish. In the aquarium hobby they are often referred to as bushynose or bristlenose plecos instead, but this may lead to confusion as "pleco" usually is used for Hypostomus plecostomus and its allies and is often used as a catchall term for any loricariids remotely resembling that species.

<i>Hypostomus plecostomus</i> Species of fish

Hypostomus plecostomus, also known as the suckermouth catfish or the common pleco, is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the armored catfish family (Loricariidae), named for the longitudinal rows of armor-like scutes that cover the upper parts of the head and body. Although the name Hypostomus plecostomus is often used to refer to common plecostomus sold in aquarium shops, most are actually members of other genera.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loricariidae</span> Largest family of catfish

Loricariidae is the largest family of catfish, with 92 genera and just over 680 species. Loricariids originate from freshwater habitats of Costa Rica, Panama, and tropical and subtropical South America. These fish are noted for the bony plates covering their bodies and their suckermouths. Several genera are sold as "plecos", notably the suckermouth catfish, Hypostomus plecostomus, and are popular as aquarium fish.

<i>Hypostomus</i> Genus of fishes

Hypostomus is a genus of catfish in the family Loricariidae. They are native to tropical and subtropical South America. H. plecostomus is the popular freshwater aquarium fish formerly known as Plecostomus plecostomus. The taxonomic structure of the Loricariidae is still being expanded by scientists. Hypostomus is a highly species-rich and widely distributed catfish genus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plecostomus</span> Index of animals with the same common name

Plecostomus, pleco, or plec is the common name of several species of freshwater loricariid catfish commonly sold as aquarium fish.

<i>Panaque</i> Genus of fishes

The genus Panaque contains a small number of small to medium-sized South American suckermouth armoured catfishes that are notable for being among the very few vertebrates that feed extensively on wood. In addition, algae and aufwuchs are an important part of the diet, and they use their rasping teeth to scrape this from rocks. These fish are also popular aquarium fish, where the sound of scraping as these fish forage for food is easily audible.

<i>Pseudorinelepis</i> Genus of fishes

Pseudorinelepis genibarbis is a species of armored catfish native to Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador where it is found in the Amazon basin.

Sailfin catfish, Janitor fish can refer to any of:

<i>Acanthicus</i> Genus of fishes

Acanthicus is a genus of large, South American suckermouth armored catfishes native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins, and possibly in Guyana. The name Acanthicus is derived from the Greek, akanthikos meaning thorny, spiny. Fish of this genus are known as lyre-tail plecos. These species are found in large rivers, primarily in areas with a rocky bottom and a moderate or strong current.

<i>Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps</i> Species of fish

Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps is a species of armored catfish native to Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela where it is found in the Orinoco and Amazon basins.

<i>Peckoltia</i> Genus of fishes

Peckoltia is a genus of small South American armored suckermouth catfishes. Many of these fish are popular aquarium fish.

<i>Hemiancistrus</i> Genus of fishes

Hemiancistrus is a genus of suckermouth armored catfishes. These species are native to South America. The taxonomy of this genus is complex and unclear, and major work has to be done. Many of these fish are popular aquarium fish.

<i>Rhinelepini</i> Tribe of fishes

Rhinelepini is a tribe of fishes in the subfamily Hypostominae of the armored suckermouth catfish family Loricariidae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ancistrini</span> Tribe of fishes

Ancistrini is a tribe of catfishes of the family Loricariidae. Most are restricted to tropical and subtropical South America, but there are also several genus in southern Central America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pterygoplichthyini</span> Tribe of fishes

Pterygoplichthyini is a tribe of catfishes of the family Loricariidae. It includes two genera, Pterygoplichthys and the currently undescribed genus referred to as the Hemiancistrus annectens group, This group was earlier misspelled as Pterygoplichthini. Pterygoplichthyines are known from nearly the entire range of loricariids except for the Guyanas and coastal streams in southeastern Brazil. although later work by the same authority, and his co-authors, placed this group among the genus Hypostomus.

<i>Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus</i> Species of fish

Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus is one of several tropical fish commonly known as Orinoco sailfin catfish, plecostomus. It belongs to the armored catfish family (Loricariidae). Named for its sail-like dorsal fin, the part of its scientific name multiradiatus means "many-rayed" and refers to the rays of the dorsal fin. P. multiradiatus is one of a number of species commonly referred to as the common pleco by aquarists.

<i>Pterygoplichthys pardalis</i> Species of fish

Pterygoplichthys pardalis, the Amazon sailfin catfish, is a freshwater tropical fish in the armored catfish family (Loricariidae). It is one of a number of species commonly referred to as the common pleco or "leopard pleco" by aquarists.It can be called 豹紋翼甲鯰 in Mandarin Chinese.

Pterygoplichthys ambrosettii, sometimes known as the snow king pleco, is a species of armored catfish native to south-central South America.

Pterygoplichthys anisitsi also known as the Paraná sailfin catfish, southern sailfin catfish, is a species of catfish in the family Loricariidae. Its natural range is the middle Paraná and Uruguay River basins of south-central South America, but it has been introduced to North America and South Asia, probably via the pet trade. Like other loricariid catfishes, Pterygoplichthys anisitsi has a ventral mouth modified into a sucking disk and a body covered in bony plates. The species typically has a dark and white spotted body pattern, although some individuals are very dark with few spots. It reaches 55 cm in total length and can weigh up to at least 2.3 kg.

Pterygoplichthys weberi is a species of catfish in the family Loricariidae. It is native to South America, where it occurs in the basins of the Amazon River, the Japurá River, the Marañón River, and the Ucayali River in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The species reaches 19.7 cm in standard length and is known to be a facultative air-breather.

References

  1. ↑ Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2011). Species of Pterygoplichthys in FishBase . December 2011 version.
  2. ↑ C. Weber (1991). "Nouveaux taxa dans Pterygoplichthys sensu lato (Pisces, Siluriformes, Loricariidae)". Revue Suisse de Zoologie.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  3. ↑ C. Weber (1992). "Révision du genre Pterygoplichthys sensu lato". Revue Francaise díAquariologie Herpétologie.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  4. ↑ Jonathan W. Armbruster (2004). "Phylogenetic relationships of the suckermouth armoured catfishes (Loricariidae) with emphasis on the Hypostominae and the Ancistrinae (abstract)" (PDF). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society . 141: 1–80. doi: 10.1111/j.1096-3642.2004.00109.x .
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Armbruster, Jonathan W. "Pterygoplichthys (Gill, 1858)".
  6. ↑ Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2011). Species of XXXXX in FishBase . December 2011 version.
  7. ↑ Armbruster, Jonathan W.; Page, Lawrence M. (2006). "Redescription of Pterygoplichthys punctatus and description of a new species of Pterygoplichthys (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)" (PDF). Neotropical Ichthyology. 4 (4): 401–409. doi: 10.1590/S1679-62252006000400003 .
  8. 1 2 Armbruster, Jonathan W. (1998). "Modifications of the Digestive Tract for Holding Air in Loricariid and Scoloplacid Catfishes" (PDF). Copeia . 1998 (3): 663–675. doi:10.2307/1447796. JSTOR   1447796 . Retrieved 2009-06-25.
  9. ↑ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2013). "Pterygoplichthys parnaibae" in FishBase . May 2013 version.
  10. 1 2 Chavez, Joel M.; de la Paz, Reynaldo M.; Manohar, Surya Krishna; Pagulayan, Roberto C.; Carandang Vi; Jose R. (2006). "New Philippine record of South American sailfin catfishes (Pisces: Loricariidae)" (PDF). Zootaxa . 1109: 57–68. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.1109.1.6 . Retrieved 2009-06-25.
  11. ↑ Nico, Leo G.; Martin, R. Trent (March 2001). "The South American Suckermouth Armored Catfish, Pterygoplichthys anisitsi (Pisces: Loricaridae), in Texas, with Comments on Foreign Fish Introductions in the American Southwest". The Southwestern Naturalist. 46 (1): 98–104. doi:10.2307/3672381. JSTOR   3672381.
  12. ↑ Gestring, Kelly; Shafland, Paul; Stanford, Murray (2006). "The status of loricariid catfishes in Florida with emphasis on sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus) (abstract)". Merida, Mexico. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  13. ↑ Wakida-Kusunokia, Armando T.; Ruiz-Carusb, Ramon; Amador-del-Angelc, Enrique (March 2007). "Amazon Sailfin Catfish, Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Castelnau, 1855) (Loricariidae), Another Exotic Species Established in Southeastern Mexico". The Southwestern Naturalist. 52 (1): 141–144. doi:10.1894/0038-4909(2007)52[141:ASCPPC]2.0.CO;2. S2CID   86847378.
  14. ↑ Bunkley-Williams, Lucy; Williams, Ernest H. Jr.; Lilystrom, Craig G.; Corujo-Flores, Iris; Zerbi, Alfonso J.; Aliaume, Catherine; Churchill, Timothy N. (1994). "The South American Sailfin Armored Catfish, Liposarcus multiradiatus (Hancock), a New Exotic Established in Puerto Rican Fresh Waters" (PDF). Caribbean Journal of Science. 30 (1–2): 90–94. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-09-26. Retrieved 2009-06-25.
  15. ↑ Liang, Shih-Hsiung; Wu, Hsiao-Ping; Shieh, Bao-Sen (2005). "Size Structure, Reproductive Phenology, and Sex Ratio of an Exotic Armored Catfish (Liposarcus multiradiatus) in the Kaoping River of Southern Taiwan" (PDF). Zoological Studies. 44 (2): 252–259. Retrieved 2009-06-25.

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