Best for
Aquariums with stable parameters and enough space.
S
Fish · Freshwater
Sailfin pleco
Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps
Sailfin pleco is a popular community aquarium fish.
Difficulty
Beginner
Aggression
1/10
Schooling
Yes
Size
5.00 cm
Minimum volume
40 L
Temperature
22.0-28.0 ºC
Zone
Middle
Lifespan
5 years
Quick profile scan
fish
Aggression
1/10
Activity
High
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Quick verdict
A practical summary to quickly decide whether it fits your aquarium.
Typical risk
Stability depends on temperature, group size, and real compatibility.
Aquarium zone
Where it lives best
Surface
Midwater
Bottom
Quick compatibility
Community signals
Shrimp
Compatible
Snails
Compatible
Slow fish
Compatible
Aggressive fish
Conditional
Small fish
Compatible
Large fish
Compatible
Delicate plants
Conditional
Buying decision
Before buying Sailfin pleco
Review these points before adding it to your aquarium. They are practical notes based on its profile, ecological data, and known relationships.
L
Adult volume
Make sure your aquarium is above 40 L before buying it.
G
Minimum group
Do not keep it alone if it needs a group; plan space for the right number of individuals.
Parameters
Water conditions
pH
6.5 - 7.5
GH
5 - 15
KH
3 - 10
Temperature
22.0 - 28.0 ºC
Common mistakes
What to avoid
Keeping it in tanks below the recommended adult volume.
Keeping too few individuals for a social species.
Essential care
Keep in groups of at least 6 specimens. It prefers tanks with open swimming space, some current and weekly water changes.
Daily time
10 min
Breeding
It is an egg-laying fish and relatively easy to breed. It scatters eggs among plants or over the substrate and provides no parental care.
Oviparous
Easy
Hembras más redondeadas y robustas. Machos más esbeltos y algo más amarillentos.
Alerts and health
- Mantener en grupo
- Espacio para nadar
- Acuario tapado
- Corriente suave a moderada
Common issues
Ich
Podredumbre de aletas
Parásitos externos
Expert notes
Interesting details
01
Es una de las especies más usadas en investigación biomédica
02
Sus rayas permanecen visibles durante toda la vida
03
Es un pez muy activo y gregario
Editorial confidence
Last review: June 2026
Content based on parameters, ecological profiles and manual relationships.
Profile data
Ecological profile
Manual relationships
General aquarium observation
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