Scientific Name
Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus

Common Name
Orinoco sailfin catfish

Biology
Occurs in streams and lakes and in weedy, mud-bottomed canals. Benthic. Nocturnal, feeds on algae , but will also feed on worms, insect larvae, and other bottom-dwelling aquatic animals. Spawning period peaks once a year. Reproductive behavior includes digging of burrows for egg laying. May exhibit male parental care.

Classification

Classified By

Hancock, 1828

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Catfish (Siluriformes)

Family

Armored catfishes (Loricariidae)

Distribution

Region

South America

Distribution

South America: Orinoco River basin. Reported from Argentina. Introduced and have established in Taiwan, mainland USA and Hawaii.

Range

10°N - 1°N, 68°W - 61°W

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

23 °C

Water Temperature To

27 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Freshwater; ; pH range: 6.5 - 7.8; dH range: 4 - 20 demersal

Trophic Level

2.16 s.e. 0.12 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

50.0 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial

Vulnerability

Low to moderate vulnerability (26 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tm=1; Fec = 1,983)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated