This catfish is native to South America. Though this fish was introduced for ornamental purpose but at present they have established themselves into the different natural waterbodies of Bangladesh. This is an extremely hardy species.
Systematic position
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Order: Siluriformes (Catfishes)
Family: Loricariidae (Suckermouth armored catfishes)
Genus: Pterygoplichthys
Species: P. pardalis
Common names: Amazon sailfin catfish
Morphology: Elongated body with flat ventral portion. Eyes situated on the dorsal portion of the head. Opening of mouth is very wide and have barbels. Body with rough scales, lower surface of head and abdomen are naked. Black or blackish with orange irregular marks throughout the body.
Measurements of the different body lengths are: SL 71.10-76.67% of TL, FL 86.71-90.00% of TL, BD 11.33-13.87% of TL, HL 13.33-14.45% of TL, CP 20.81-23.33% of TL and Eye 22.00-25.00% of HL.
Taxonomic formula: D1. 12-13; D2. 1; P1. 6; P2. 6; A. 5; C. 16.
Maximum length: 35 cm (collected from a pond of Godagari Upazila, Rajshahi district).
Food and feeding: Well known as an algae eater and can often be found stuck to the side of aquarium. As they get older they may eat algae less often and supplemental diet with algae wafers may be supplied. Shrimp pellets or other commercial aquarium food that drop to the bottom are also favourite.
Breeding and gender differentiation: Generally breeds in natural environments. Very difficult to breed them in a home aquarium. Sexing is very difficult by examining external characteristics as there are no visible differences between the male and female .
Habitats: Freshwater; at present, this species was reported from different lakes and ponds of Bangladesh.
Economic importance: This exotic fish becomes very popular in recent times as ornamental/aquarium fish in Bangladesh . Retail price varied between BDT 30 and 200 per pair depending on place and size.
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