Plecostomus

scientific name

Hypostomus plecostomus

size

Length: 18 in

characteristics

Color: brownish-gray with darker specks
Fins: large dorsal fin, almost sail-like " all fins large with sharp hard spines
Shape: back protected by bony plate armor " wide and flat at head, narrows to large bifurcated tail
Other: 2 barbels by mouth " surface air breather

Behavior: nocturnal " spend days hidden on undersides of logs and large rocks

reproduction/life span

Mating. eggs laid on surface of stones or logs " male cares for young
Hatching: hatch in 3-5 days

diet

Wild: algae, detritus

habitat/range

Habitat: bottom dweller " fresh running water and brackish water at river mouth
Range: rivers on Pacific slope of Costa Rica and both slopes of Panama, southward to Uruguay

status

not listed

other

also called Suckermouth Catfish

oregon zoo exhibit

Amazon

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