Range and Identity
Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus is native to the Madeira basin and has been introduced outside that region. Introduced armored catfish records require species identification. A broad pleco label or similar spotted pattern is not sufficient to combine this fish with other sailfin catfishes.
Habitat and Behavior
The species occurs in floodplain lakes, swamps and excavated pools where oxygen can be low. A specialized enlarged stomach functions as an accessory breathing organ. This supports air breathing, but does not imply unlimited survival in dry ground or an identical routine in every population.
Food and Life History
The compiled upper length is seventy centimeters total length. A 1.3-kilogram value was not independently established as a secure maximum and is omitted. The checked summary does not supply a detailed species-specific feeding list or reproductive sequence.
Field Note
Keep the original identification and native-versus-introduced context with a record. Similar armored catfishes should not acquire this species' maximum size or range merely because they share a waterbody.
All Lakes With Vermiculated Sailfin Catfish
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Vermiculated Sailfin Catfish records in our database, listed alphabetically.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.