PlanetCatfish.com - Pterygoplichthys scrophus (Loricariidae) Cat-eLog

Ventral view
Close-up of mouth
Close-up of dorsal fin

Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name	**Pterygoplichthys scrophus** (Cope, 1874)
Common Names	Chocolate Pleco Alligator Pleco, Rhino Pleco
Type Locality	Nauta, Peru.
Synonym(s)	Glyptoperichthys scrophus, Liposarcus scrophus
Pronunciation	terry gop LICK thees - skro fuss
Etymology	Greek, pterygion, diminutive of pteryx = wing, fin + Greek, hoplon = weapon + Greek, ichthys = fish. Masculine form of "scrofa", which means "breeding sow".
Articles	- CotM 2011 July
Species Information
Size	275mm or 10.8" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification	Pterygoplichthys can be identified by the number of rays in the dorsal fin. Ten or more dorsal rays (usually more than 10) indicates that it's a Pterygoplichthys. Most other plecos have 8 or fewer rays (in particular the larger Hypostomus species that are most likely to be confused with Pterygoplichthys). These plecos have large nostril two horn-like protrusions from their head that are actually nasal flutes or nostril flaps. The also have alligator-like ridges along the sides of their body. Colours range from a rich brown to black to mottled brown.
Sexing	Comparison of the genital papilla in mature fish shows the differences in the sexes to the trained eye. In males this is a small yet thick stump which noticeably protrudes from the fish's undercarriage. In females it is less obvious and is recessed or lies flat with the body.
Habitat Information
Distribution	South America: Marañon and Ucayali River basins. Amazon, Upper Amazon, Marañón, Ucayali (click on these areas to find other species found there) Amazon, Upper Amazon, Marañón (click on these areas to find other species found there) Login to view the map.
IUCN Red List Category	Least Concern , range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2014.
pH	6.0 - 7.6
Temperature	22.0-28.0°C or 71.6-82.4°F (Show species within this range)
Husbandry Information
Feeding	An adaptible omnivore that will eat a variety of foods, besides being a very good algae eater, supplement diet with sinking pellet foods and algae wafers. Vegetables and freeze dried foods also accepted. User data.
Furniture	All but the most robust of plants tend to be eaten or uprooted. Flat stones and bogwood are required to construct caves. Will even eat floating plants. A good pleco for the deeper aquarium.
Compatibility	A generally peaceful fish but can be aggressive with other bottom dwellers of similar size/species if not given sufficient room.
Suggested Tankmates	Almost any medium sized community fish.
Breeding	Unreported.
Breeding Reports	There is no breeding report.
Further Information
Reference	Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia v. 26, pp 136.
Registered Keepers	There are 105 registered keepers, view all "my cats" data.
Wishlists	Love this species? Click the heart to add it to your wish list. There are 4 wishes to keep this species, see who wants what.
Spotters	Spotted this species somewhere? Click the binoculars! There are 20 records of this fish being seen, view them all.
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	LFS label creator ARN ref:1.4.6.80
Last Update	2025 Jan 02 01:36 (species record created: 2001 Apr 28 00:00)