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
Behaviour: 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