Name: Albino Red Eyed Hi fin Pleco
Brand: Brooklands
SKU: TG75
Price: 29.95 NZD
Availability: OutOfStock

Albino Red Eyed Hi fin Pleco

Product Details

Albino Red-Eyed Hi-Fin Pleco (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps variant)

Important Distinction: In the aquarium hobby, there are two completely different fish sold under this name: a "Dwarf" version (the Longfin Bristlenose) and a "Giant" version (the Sailfin Pleco). Make sure you check which one you have, as their maximum sizes are drastically different! This profile covers the spectacular, giant Sailfin variant, which is most famous for the "Hi-Fin" moniker.

Overview:

The Albino Red-Eyed Hi-Fin Pleco (often called the Albino Sailfin Pleco) is a breathtaking, prehistoric-looking catfish. It is completely devoid of dark pigment, featuring a striking creamy-yellow or golden body faintly patterned with lighter marbling. True to its name, it has glowing, ruby-red eyes and a magnificent, oversized dorsal fin that rises up like a ship's sail when fully extended.

Origins:

The base species (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps) is native to the warm, slow-moving river systems of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. The Albino Red-Eye variation is line-bred in captivity for the ornamental aquarium trade.

Personality:

As juveniles, they are peaceful, diligent algae-eaters that love to hang upside down on glass or driftwood. However, as they grow into massive adults, they become much more dominant and territorial, especially regarding their favorite hiding spots. They are nocturnal by nature, meaning they will be most active at night, scavenging the bottom of the tank.

Care Level: Easy (Very hardy, but demanding due to ultimate size)
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-aggressive (Territorial with other large bottom-dwellers)
Diet: Omnivore with a heavy herbivore preference (Algae wafers, sinking pellets, and fresh vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, or sweet potato). They must have real driftwood in the tank, as they rasp on it to aid their digestion.
Max Size: 35 – 40 cm (Yes, they get absolutely massive!)
Family: Loricariidae
Tank Size: 400 Litres minimum for a full-grown adult. They produce a massive amount of waste (bioload) and require heavy-duty filtration (like a large canister filter).
Temperature: 24°C – 29°C
pH: 6.5 – 7.5
Should be kept in groups? No. Keep only one per tank. They are highly territorial toward their own kind and other large plecos, which can result in severe fighting in an enclosed space.

Pro Tip: Because they grow so large and strong, they can easily uproot delicate aquarium plants and knock over insecure rock formations. Stick to robust plants like Anubias or Java Fern attached directly to heavy pieces of driftwood.

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