Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Loricariidae
- Genus
- Pterygoplichthys
- Species
- multiradiatus
Habitat
This species primarily inhabits slow-moving freshwater rivers, streams, and floodplain lakes in the Orinoco River Basin of South America. It has become invasive in warm freshwater systems worldwide, including canals, ponds, and reservoirs in the United States, Asia, and other regions, often thriving in areas with soft substrates and abundant vegetation.
Diet
Orinoco sailfin catfish are primarily herbivores and detritivores, feeding on algae, periphyton, and decaying plant matter scraped from rocks and submerged surfaces. They exhibit nocturnal feeding behavior, using their sucker-like mouths to graze at night, and occasionally consume small invertebrates or fish eggs.
Behavior
These catfish are nocturnal, spending days hidden under rocks, logs, or in burrows they dig into riverbanks, and becoming active at night to forage. They are generally solitary but can form loose groups in favorable habitats and exhibit territorial behavior during breeding seasons. They are known for their ability to survive in low-oxygen environments by breathing atmospheric air through a modified intestine.
Conservation Status
Listed as Not Evaluated by IUCN.