Fin's Fish Guide
The Bigmouth pleco (Guyanancistrus brevispinis) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Description
The bigmouth pleco is a South American armoured catfish of the family Loricariidae from the Guianas. The species grows to about 14 cm and has a flattened, dark body armoured with rows of bony plates, and a downward-facing suckermouth. It is the most common and abundant species of its genus and inhabits rivers and rapids. With its rasping suckermouth it scrapes algae, growth and detritus from stones and wood. Loricariids cling to the substrate with the suckermouth in flowing water. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bigmouth pleco?
The Bigmouth pleco has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Armoured body and a rasping sucker mouth; most common species of its genus.
Where does the Bigmouth pleco live?
The Bigmouth pleco lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America; rivers and rapids of the Guianas.
How big does the Bigmouth pleco get?
The Bigmouth pleco grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Bigmouth pleco dangerous to humans?
No, the Bigmouth pleco is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bigmouth pleco edible?
The Bigmouth pleco is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
More from the family Loricariidae
Want the complete picture on the Bigmouth pleco?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bigmouth pleco is one of 12,519 species in the app.