Marble Sailfin Plecostomus (L-083)

First described by Kner in 1854, the Glyptoperichthys cf. gibbiceps is also known as the Marbled Sailfin Plecostomus. Growing to an impressive 12 inches in length, this pleco has an enlarged dorsal fin that when raised looks like a sailfin, extending to nearly the tail fin. The body is dark with a reticulated pattern of yellow/white markings resulting in the appearance of a stone wall structure. The fins have a touch of orange near their fringe and the pattern is more striped than reticulated. The Gibbiceps can be found as L-083 in the Loricariidae listings. The under slung mouth of the pleco acts as a suction devise to hold it in place, and to allow the specialized teeth to rasp algae off of rocks, plants and glass. This makes the pleco one of the best eaters of algae, its primary job in the home aquarium. They require some cover in the form of a rocky cave or large piece of driftwood in which to “hang out” most of the time. The Plecostomus will usually only be active during feeding and at night. Their body is flattened along the abdomen and most have a forked tail fin. The dorsal fin is kept near the body, but can be raised as a display to other fish. The pectoral fins often have small bristles and have thickened first rays. This can lead to problems when catching with a net, and the pectoral fins can puncture the unwary finger. It also makes it difficult for predators to swallow a plecostomus. While their primary diet is algae, they will scavenge other foods and should have their diet supplemented with algae wafers and blanched zucchini spears. Plecos are safe with most all other fish; though there are reports of them bothering slow moving, wide body fish, i.e. Goldfish, Discus. It appears that the pleco is eating the body slime of the fish and this is not good. Larger plecos will damage live plants, not necessarily by eating them, but as they browse on algae growing on the plant, their body weight snaps the stems of the plant. Dead or dying leaves are a food source, but healthy leaves are not eaten. The scales of the pleco act as armor plating and allow the pleco to survive with much larger fish. Most plecos will tolerate other plecos in the same aquarium, but there are exceptions, and plenty of hiding places are required. Generally long lived, the pleco can make a great addition as a scavenger in the aquarium.

Approximate arrival size for Marble Sailfin Plecostomus: 2-3".