Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps
Albino Sailfin Pleco
Albino Sailfin Pleco
Low stock: 3 left
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Remarks: The sailfin pleco is one of the many species frequently misidentified as Hypostomus plecostomus, common pleco. They share a lot of similarities such as a similar body shape, large adult size, dark adult pattern, and nearly identical behaviors. The easiest way to identify that a fish is in fact a sailfin pleco is to look for their very tall sailfin which gives them their common name. Juvenile sailfin plecos also have a very attractive pattern with an almost rusty orange body and fins covered in large black spots that get smaller with age. While it is frequently misidentified, this species is a staple within the aquarium keeping hobby due to their high availability, voracious appetite for algae, and their hardy nature.
These traits along with their elegant sailfin make the sailfin pleco a highly desirable species that is commonly picked up by beginner keepers that are unaware of the large amounts of space an adult specimen will require. While most top out at around 19-20" which is already an impressive size, there are many reports of some reaching 24" or larger. This combined with their large appetite that can quickly result in fouled water and their high activity level make it where the sailfin pleco needs a very large tank to remain healthy, a minimum of 150 gallons being needed for just a single specimen. They tend to do best in warm water ponds as they allow for a lot more space to swim, grow, and feed. If keeping albino specimens, however, they should be kept indoors or in ponds with plenty of shade as they are sensitive to light. Unfortunately, it is common for sailfin plecos to outgrow their keeper's tanks which sometimes results in some getting released into the wild. This should never be done and any that outgrow a tank should be rehomed instead.
For those that can provide the large amounts of space and heavy water changes required by the sailfin pleco, they can be an excellent choice to house alongside larger, more aggressive species such as bass, oscars, gar, and arowana. They are robust enough and an aggressive enough feeder to hold their own against these species. This does come with the trade-off that they do not make good tankmates for conspecifics as they frequently will harm them in territory fights or starve them out as they will almost always win in a fight over food.
Animal Data
Animal Data
- Native to: South America
- Breeding: Tank-raised in Indonesia
- Max adult size: 19-20"
- Diet: Omnivore
- Social behavior: Moderate
- Care skill: Beginner
Tank Parameters
Tank Parameters
- Temp range: 65°F - 82°F
- pH range: 5.5 - 8.0
- GH range: 25 ppm - 300 ppm
- Min Tank Size:
Shipping Info
Shipping Info
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS Next Day Air | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS Next Day Air | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS Next Day Air | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 | UPS Next Day Air | $69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS Next Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
Why buy from us?
Our Healthy & Happy Arrival guarantee
We've been packing and shipping live fish for over 50 years. When you buy from us, you get the healthiest stock and most experienced live fish shipping in the industry. So you know you won't be disappointed!
Will my fish look like the picture?
The majority of fish on our website will NOT look like their photos upon their unboxing. Fish change in appearance depending on many factors, including mood, age, gender, and social status. Fish will naturally lose color during shipping and may appear faded upon arrival. Pictures are used as examples only. Pictures may be of mature fish with full color or juvenile fish without color. We encourage you to research the species as much as possible prior to ordering in order to familiarize yourself with the various appearances they may take on. Many species have females that look drastically different to their male counterparts, and many juveniles will not have as much color (or different colors) as their adult forms. If you have questions about how the fish will look, please review their information and email us if you have any questions.
How do I know which fish can go together in my tank?
Research the product descriptions on our website and use Google search to help decide which fish can go together. PLEASE do your research and email us if you have any questions. Also, we have a very active Facebook group called Imperial Tropicals Fishkeepers where you can learn from knowledgable and experienced fishkeepers.
How do you ship live fish? Sounds risky!
We've been shipping live fish for over 50 years. we use specialized packaging and techniques to ensure their health. See how we do it.
How much does shipping cost?
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS Next Day Air | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS Next Day Air | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS Next Day Air | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 | UPS Next Day Air | $69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS Next Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
When will I get my order?
We need 2-4 days to select and pack your fish, you'll get a notification when it ships along with tracking info. It will arrive the next day or day after, depending on your location. See our Shipping Policy for full info.
What if my order is delayed? Will my fish be OK?
We ship hundreds of packages a week, and most are delivered without any issues thanks to our experienced team and premium air courier service. Our high-tech packaging is designed to sustain the animals a minimum of 2-3 days in the box, and in some cases longer, depending on the breed.
However, sometimes delays do occur. If this happens to your order, please document and contact us promptly following our inspection and documentation policies above in order to receive credit.
Can I change or cancel my order after it is placed?
Orders can be changed or cancelled within 24 hours, subject to a 10% restocking fee. Shipping is stressful for the animals and we cannot open boxes once they have been prepped and packed.
Can you hold my order until my tank is ready?
We can hold for a few days, but not beyond a week as inventory changes rapidly. Please only place your order when you know you will be ready to receive them.
What if my order is missing something?
First, please check the box and packaging thoroughly. If you are sure an item is missing please contact us immediately.
Do you offer pickup on local orders?
Yes! Just specify local pickup as your shipping option in checkout and we'll let you know when it is ready.
What if a fish I receive seems dead, sick or doesn't look right?
97% of our orders arrive without an issue. But if something goes wrong, no worries! You're covered under our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee