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Largemouth pleco (Pareiorhaphis stomias) — Loricariidae

Largemouth pleco

Pareiorhaphis stomias
Family: Loricariidae

The Largemouth pleco (Pareiorhaphis stomias) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Largemouth pleco is an armoured catfish (Loricariidae) from fast-flowing, clear rivers and streams of southeastern Brazil in South America. The species grows to about 10 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 Largemouth pleco?

The Largemouth pleco has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Largemouth pleco live?

The Largemouth pleco lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Largemouth pleco get?

The Largemouth pleco grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Largemouth pleco dangerous to humans?

No, the Largemouth pleco is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Grootbek-harnasmeerval sourced
English name
Largemouth pleco sourced
Scientific name
Pareiorhaphis stomias
Family
Loricariidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
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

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Pareiorhaphis

More from the family Loricariidae

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