Sailfin Pleco 5cm

Sailfin Pleco (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps)

A large, hardy suckermouth catfish named for the tall, sail-like dorsal fin it raises when excited or displaying. Native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins, this striking bottom-dweller is prized as a hard-working algae grazer and a long-lived showpiece for spacious freshwater aquariums.

Care at a Glance:

• Minimum Tank Size: Large tank (350L+) with robust filtration — adults are bulky and produce significant waste
• Temperature: 22–28°C
• pH Range: 6.5–7.8
• Water Hardness: Moderate to hard
• Temperament: Peaceful, but can be territorial with other plecos
• Diet: Omnivore — algae, driftwood biofilm, vegetable matter (zucchini, cucumber), sinking wafers, occasional frozen/live foods
• Max Size: 30–50cm
• Lifespan: 10–15+ years
• Care Level: Easy to moderate (hardy and forgiving, but requires a large tank and driftwood to graze on)

Tank Mates: Peaceful community fish of similar size — rainbowfish, large gouramis, and peaceful South American cichlids. Avoid housing with other bottom-dwelling plecos in smaller tanks to prevent territorial disputes.

Origin: South America — Amazon and Orinoco river basins (captive-bred specimens widely available in the aquarium trade)