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Fine-spotted pleco (Oligancistrus punctatissimus) — Loricariidae

Fine-spotted pleco

Oligancistrus punctatissimus
Family: Loricariidae

The Fine-spotted pleco (Oligancistrus punctatissimus) is a fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Diet
Herbivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Fine-spotted pleco is an armoured catfish (Loricariidae) from fast-flowing, clear rivers and streams of the Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a flattened, bony-plated, brown body with an inferior sucker mouth. As a bottom-dweller it clings to stones and wood in current and rasps algae, biofilm and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fine-spotted pleco?

The Fine-spotted pleco is mainly brown.

Where does the Fine-spotted pleco live?

The Fine-spotted pleco is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Fine-spotted pleco get?

The Fine-spotted pleco grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Fine-spotted pleco dangerous to humans?

No, the Fine-spotted pleco is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Fijnstip-harnasmeerval sourced
English name
Fine-spotted pleco sourced
Scientific name
Oligancistrus punctatissimus
Family
Loricariidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
12 inferred
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Loricariidae

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