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Plecostomus

Pterygoplichthys pardalis

Photo by JamieDorton
Published on Project Noah
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27.9378, -82.2859

Field Notes

Description:

They also have an exo skeleton,which is awesome. Im gonna try to find my pic of a skeleton I found.

Notes:

I caught it with my hand for a photo opp, Then released. As I understand yes they are native to the Amazon,but years ago they were released here in Florida to regulate some kind of vegitation. Now, as I have observed they are in the river systems,ponds,& lakes. They have eyelids & when you see them resting by the bank, they are often sleeping so I just grab em, Take a pic,then release. I hope this clears up the confusion. ;o)

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (9)
JamieDorton
Ive caught & photographed dozens of them. I know theyre invasive,but I didnt have the heart to hurt them. Also Im not aware of any problems caused by them.
Scott Frazier
Pterygoplichthys pardalis is listed in the Global Invasive Species Database http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=1658&fr=1&sts=sss&lang=EN
Liam
Wow. Very interesting fish! Glad you released it.
LauraMaria
When you say you caught this, what do you mean? These fish are freshwater and originate from the Amazon... do you mean you took it out of a tank? Sorry, kinda confused! It's a gorgeous fish that's for sure! By the way, this kind of pleco is Pterygoplichthys pardalis :)
JebboCastillo
i saw it on the pet shop and they call it janitor fish.. in marikina river philippines, janitor fish treated as pest..
LindaGuastamachio
What a beautiful fish. I've never seen one like this before. You say you caught it with your hand. I find that amazing. Nice catch.
Photographed
PublishedOctober 28, 2011

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