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Personal Tank Specs.
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Glyptoperichthys Scrophus
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Chocolate or Rhino Pleco
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Photo Credit goes to: Mavericks Marina |
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Peru, South America
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Origin |
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Loricariidae
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Family |
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Siluriformes |
Order |
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Actinopterygii |
Class |
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10¾" (27.5cm) |
Size |
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6.5-7.8 |
PH |
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--- dgh |
GH |
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73-79°F |
Temp. |
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Peaceful, Territorial |
Temperament |
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< 10 yrs. |
Life Span |
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Notes:
Discription:
Being a river fish by nature, this fish enjoys well oxygenated water and fast currents. Like all plecos, the Rhino is nocturnal and more active at night. This fish must have lots of room, as he can be territorial with other plecos, including his own kind. The Rhino is normally a good community fish, but if kept in crowded conditions will fight for his rightful space by charging at any fish that invades his "personal space".
Requirments:
Though relatively easy to keep, this fish gets nearly a foot in length. A minimum of 30 gallons is recommended, however, the tank dimensions are more important. The depth of the tank should be over 12" to allow this fish plenty of room to turn around. The Rhino will also need a place to hide during during the day. The fins of the fish are quite large and delicate, therefore, fin nipping tank mates should be avoided. To help keep your Rhinos fins at their fullest potential, avoid rough or sharp decorations in the tank. This fish does well with either pebble or sand substrate. I prefer a pebble substrate becuase the fish will ingest some of the sand while grazing.
Diet:
The Rhino Pleco is an Omnivore. He'll eat nearly anything. Although, my experience has shown their tastes to be rather picky. Driftwood is a must. Below is a list of foods your pleco may like:
Zucchini
Algae wafers
Algae
Shrimp pellets
Spinach
Romaine lettuce (NOT Iceburg)
Cucumber
Potatoe
Live blood worms
Fresh chopped earthworms
Beefheart
Sexing:
Sexing a Rhino can be rather difficult. The only method I know of is the amount and size of the odontodes (spikes) on the gill plates and fins. These odontodes will be much more obvious in the males. According to Planet Catfish, mature Rhinos can be sexed by comparing the genital papilla. Males will have a "small yet thick stump which noticeably protrudes from the fish's undercarriage." Female genital papilla is less noticable and "is recessed or lies flat with the body."
Breeding:
When breeding, Rhinos will follow the typical bahavior of plecos. The males will dig or find a cave, the female will lay her eggs inside the cave, and the male will guard them until they've hatched.
(Information gathered from:
Personal experience,
Planet Catfish.com,
Wayne&Amanda's Page,
and FishBase.org,.
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If you see any information that is incorrect, please contact me at: MaverickWashburn@hotmail.com. Please note that the photos shown here are the property of Maverick's Marina or Maverick's Marina has been granted permission to post these photos by their rightful owners.
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