Orinoco Sailfin Suckermouth Catfish 

Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus 

Habitat & Distribution :  Rivers and lakes of South America 

Diet: Algae, moss, organic matter 

Size : Up to 50 cm

Lifespan : 10-12 years

Description

They are characterized by hard plates that cover and protect its body like armor, as well as its sucking mouth which it uses to breathe, eat and attach to the substrate. 

Behavior

They are bottom feeders, in aquariums this fish acts as a cleaner fish that eats moss and leftover food on the glass and bottom of the aquarium. 

Reproduction

These fish burrow into the river banks where the females will lay 100-200 eggs and the males will guard them up to 10 days, they can spawn every 3-4 weeks making them highly fecund

Communication & Perception

They communicate primarily through sound production and territorial physical displays. They are nocturnal, territorial bottom-dwellers, and their communication often revolves around establishing dominance or defending hiding spots. 

Predator(s)

Birds, river otters, caiman, crocodiles