Stats

Lifespan: 10-20 yrs
Size: Large
Diet: Omnivore
Activity: Nocturnal
Social: Solitary
Biome: Freshwater wetland
Range: South America
Movement: Swimming
Breeding: Egg-laying
Defense: Armor
Status: Rare

About

The Highfin Spotted Plecostomus, also known as the "Brazilian armored catfish," is a small freshwater fish native to the Orinoco and Amazon basins. Unlike other catfish, it has a bony shell that provides protection against predators.

Life cycle

1.
hatchling fry
A tiny fry hatches with a yolk sac and begins free-swimming once the sac is absorbed.
2.
juvenile
A juvenile takes on adult body shape and feeds on small prey, often in nursery waters.
3.
adult
Fully grown at adult size and coloration.

Learn more

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Siluriformes
Family: Loricariidae
Genus: Pterygoplichthys
Species: Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps