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Toothed pleco (Panaqolus dentex) — Loricariidae

Toothed pleco

Panaqolus dentex
Family: Loricariidae

The Toothed pleco (Panaqolus dentex) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Ecuador, Peru

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Description

The Toothed pleco is an armoured catfish (Loricariidae) from fast-flowing, clear rivers with much dead wood in the western 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 wood and stones and rasps algae, biofilm and decaying wood. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Toothed pleco?

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

Where does the Toothed pleco live?

The Toothed pleco lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. South America: Ecuador, Peru

How big does the Toothed pleco get?

The Toothed pleco grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Toothed pleco dangerous to humans?

No, the Toothed pleco is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Toothed pleco sourced
Scientific name
Panaqolus dentex
Family
Loricariidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
South America: Ecuador, Peru sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore
Diet (detail)
Algae and plant material
Territorial
No
Activity
Nocturnal
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Panaqolus

More from the family Loricariidae

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