Common name: Sailfin Pleco

Scientific name: Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps

Type of fish: Plecostomus catfish/Armored catfish

Origin: South America

Level of difficulty: Beginner, but a large tank and a powerful filter is needed

Max size: 15 inches

Growth Rate: Very Fast

Minimum tank size: 150 gallons

Diet: herbivore

pH: 6-7

Hardiness: One of the most hardy fish you can find

Aggressiveness: Semi-aggressive

Tankmates: tetras, livebearers, barbs, danios, Corydoras catfishes, rainbow sharks, redtail sharks, nearly all cichlids

Sexing: Hard to tell

Notes: Very hardy species that can withstand awful water quality (but please try to maintain good water quality). They are highly efficient algae eaters. However, they do contribute a lot to the bioload due to their large amounts of waste. These fish can withstand aggressive fish because their "armor" protects them from bites. Finally, these fish have a very fast growth rate.