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Orinoco Sailfin Pleco

Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus

Freshwater South America Usually captive bred

An imposing, heavily armoured catfish with an impressive, tall dorsal fin and spotted markings. Often sold incorrectly as a humble algae cleaner, it grows massive and produces staggering amounts of physical waste. It requires an oversized aquarium furnished with sturdy driftwood to support its digestive tract and shelter needs.

Also called: Orinoco sailfin catfish, Long-fin armored catfish, Radiated ptero, Sailfin catfish.

45 cm adult length, drawn to scale. slim body.

Outgrows a typical home tank. Check this fish against the adult size above before buying a juvenile. The minimum shown is the least it is kept in for good, not a comfortable size.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 1 fish added.

What it needs

ItemValueBecause
Adult length 45 cm Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank 500 L, at least 180 cm long estimated The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish 150 L estimated What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load Class 5 of 5 estimated How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature 23 to 28 C Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH 6.5 to 7.8 Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness GH 4 to 18, KH 3 to 10 Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow Medium Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light Moderate Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size Single fish is fine Not a schooling species.
Temperament Peaceful Territorial: weak.
Swims in Near the bottom Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan About 15 years A fish is a long commitment.
Experience Suits a first tank A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Orinoco Sailfin Pleco is an omnivore that swims in the lowest part of the tank. It leaves most plants alone. Give it plenty of cover. It digs, so anchor plants and keep hard rock off loose sand.

Tankmates

Works with

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.