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Starry pleco (Pseudancistrus sidereus) — Loricariidae

Starry pleco

Pseudancistrus sidereus
Family: Loricariidae

The Starry pleco (Pseudancistrus sidereus) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 18 cm.

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

Description

The Starry pleco is an armoured catfish (Loricariidae) from rivers and streams of the Guianas in northern South America. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a flattened, bony-plated, brown body with an inferior sucker mouth. As a bottom-dweller it clings to stones and wood and rasps algae, biofilm and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Starry pleco?

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

Where does the Starry pleco live?

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

How big does the Starry pleco get?

The Starry pleco grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Starry pleco dangerous to humans?

No, the Starry pleco is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sterren-harnasmeerval sourced
English name
Starry pleco sourced
Scientific name
Pseudancistrus sidereus
Family
Loricariidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.6 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
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. 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 Pseudancistrus

More from the family Loricariidae

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