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| Family Loricariidae |
| The family Loricariidae contains the venerable and hardy "plecostomus" catfish. These primitive fishes have been prized by aquarists for decades due to their insatiable appetite for algae and uneaten food. Indeed, it seems like almost every tank has a loricariid catfish in it. These armored catfish occur in South America, especially Costa Rica and Panama. They can be found in swiftly flowing streams in both lowlands and mountainous regions. Their bodies are covered with bony plates, hence the name "armored catfish". The mouths of loricariids are located ventrally (on the bottom), with sensory papillae on the ventral lip. Click on the links below to read more about some commonly available Loricariid species. |
Glyptoperichthys gibbiceps
(Leopard Sailfin Plecostomus) |
Farlowella curtirostra |
Hypostomus plecostomus
(Common Pleco) |
Ancistrus ranunclulus
(Bristlenose Plecostomus) |
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