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💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🐠 Aquarium 🌡️ Tropical

Leopard pleco

Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps Kner, 1854
Max Length
50 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
2
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
58.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Leopard pleco (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps), first described by Kner, 1854 is a large fish in the family Loricariidae (order Siluriformes). Adults typically reach 50.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds primarily on plankton, plant material, and detritus. The species active primarily at night. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is kept in the aquarium hobby. Care requirements and behaviour align broadly with other Loricariidae kept in the hobby.

Scientific Name
Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps
Authority
Kner, 1854
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
50 cm
Trophic Level
2
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
58.00/100
Water Temp
23–27 °C
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Leopard pleco is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Leopard pleco is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

algae
aquatic plants
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; demersal; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 5 - 19. Tropical; 23°C - 27°C South America: Middle and upper Amazon and Orinoco basins.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
2
🌙 Nocturnal
Food Items

algae (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.02042 × L2.95 (TL)
Max TL
50cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
23–27°C
pH Range
6–8
Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2020

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
58.00/100
High vulnerability
Trophic Level
2
Omnivore / Planktivore
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Kner, 1854

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