Sailfin Pleco

Temp. Range:    74 - 80°F. pH:    6.6 - 7.4 dH range:    6.0 - 10.0 Adult Size:    18"

Glyptoperichthys gibbiceps

Sailfin Pleco $9.99 to $49.99 Buy Sailfin Plecos

Native Region:    Peru
Temperament:    Generally mind their own business.
Feeding:    Algae, but is best to feet sinking vegetable foods and frozen adult brine shrimp.
Sex:    Dorsal fin on males is a little longer, pointer than females
General Comments:  The Sailfin Gibbiceps Pleco comes from the rivers and tributaries of South America. The body is different shades of brown with a pattern of lighter markings covering it. This species receives its name from its large dorsal fin. Sailfin Gibbiceps Plecos make good additions to any community aquarium.

The Albino Marble Sailfin Pleco, is a captive-bred species known by many scientific names, the most common being Glyptoperichthys gibbiceps. The Marble Sailfin Pleco is also known as the Spotted Sailfin Plecostomus. Originating from the Rio Pacaya in Peru, South America, the Marble Sailfin Pleco is a peaceful, bottom-dwelling member of the armour-plated catfish group.

Planted aquariums with hearty, fast-growing plants, high aeration, and water movement make for a healthy environment. Rocks and driftwood help to accent a natural habitat and provide hiding spaces to reduce stress for the Sailfin Pleco. A recommended minimum tank of 125 gallons should be provided to house this fish.

The Sailfin Pleco spawns in tunnels dug out of the mud banks of various tributaries. A very large aquarium with a wall of mud is required for this species to spawn. Because of this requirement, it has not yet been done in an aquarium.

Feeding the Sailfin Pleco is not difficult due to the fact that it is not a picky eater. Feeding off the bottom of the aquarium, it gets most of its nutrition from left over food and algae. If there is no algae or left over food present, supplement with high quality flake food, sinking carnivore pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, and tubifex.

General Aquarium Catfish Reference Books: