is how I rate Mongabays fish profiles, and the "Pictures" that are available with each profile just ROCK!
Not that AC's are bad, they're awesome, they attracted me to this site, but info is knowledge... :dance
E.G. My Snow King Pleco, I've looked all over for a good profile and "PlanetCatfish" has nothing over this, scroll down from the intial family profile for the "Snow King Profile" Quote:
CATFISH
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LORICARIIDAE FAMILY
The Loricariidae or Suckermouth Armored Catfish Family has over 600 members found in Central and South America. It includes, among others, the genera Ancistrus, Chaetostoma, Farlowella, Hypancistrus, Hypoptopoma, Hypostomus, Otocinclus, Panaque, Peckoltia, Pterygoplichthys, Rineloricaria, Scobinancistrus, and Sturisoma.
SIZE: The Loricariidae Family includes small to large fish; some as small as 1" (2.5 cm) while others exceed 24" (61 cm).
S: The fish of this family usually swim in the lower levels, usually dependent of some substrate, to which they adhere.
TANK: The tank size ranges depending on the size of the fish. For most, it should be at least 28" (71 cm) long or 20-25 gallons (76-98 l). The tank should be arranged in dark colors and have floating plants to diffuse the light. The substrate should be fine, for these fish like to burrow. Provide hiding places amongst rocks, roots, and wood.
WATER: Loricarids can tolerate a pH from 6-7.5, but prefer slightly acidic water. They like soft water ranging from 2-14 dH, and require a temperature of 72-82°F (22-28°C).
SB: The Loricariidae Family is a peaceful, nocturnal family. These fish can be combined in a community tank with nearly all other fish. Many Loricarids are territorial, and may quarrel with others of their own species.
SC: See individual descriptions.
FOOD: Live; worms, insect larvae, crustaceans; tablets; and some may eat algae, plant matter, and vegetables. These fish should be fed in the evening.
B: Some fish have been successfully bred, but many have not.
BP: Breeding is generally difficult.
R: The fish in this family have sucker-mouths and are protected by bony-plated armor. Due to the large number and variability of some species in this family, correct identification of many species is not possible.
DC: Many fish of this family are extremely robust, while others may be delicate.
Snow King Plecostomus [Pictures]
Liposarcus anisitsi
SYN: Ancistrus multiradiatus var. alternans, Pterygoplichthys anisitsi, P. alternans, P. juvens
PD: This Pleco is covered everywhere but the belly with large bony plates. The head is large, broad, and flat. The mouth is located on the underside of the head and is shaped like a suction cup. It has one pair of barbels. The body has a base color of white with an overlaying black pattern. The fins are the same color as the rest of the body. The dorsal fin stands tall when erect. The pattern and contrast of colors becomes intensified with age.
SIZE: To 24" (61 cm)
SS: Pterygoplichthys species and Hypostomus species.
HAB: South America; this catfish is found in a range of different environments along the Paraguay River of Brazil and Paraguay. Often it lives in stagnant pools that dry up in the dry season. This catfish takes refuge in a burrow and waits, without water, until the rains return.
S: bottom
TANK: 28" (70 cm) or 20-25 gallons (75-98 l) is suitable only for small specimens, under 5" (13 cm). Since these fish grow to a large size, they must be eventually moved to a large, roomy tank (exceeding 60" or 90 gallons). See P. gibbiceps for other specifications.
WATER: pH 6.5-8.2 (7.2), 2-28 dH (12), 66-79°F (19-26°C)
SB: A peaceful fish that can be kept in a community tank with medium to large fish, including cichlids. Do not combine with small fish as they may be eaten. The Snow King Pleco is very aggressive towards its own and similar looking species.
SC: Large characins, South and Central American cichlids, Pimelodids
FOOD: Algae; vegetables; spinach, lettuce, peas; live; crustaceans, worms; tablets.
SEX: Unknown
B: Not possible in captivity because of the conditions required. The Snow King is commercially bred in Florida in large dirt ponds. The Snow King Plec will dig a tunnel (up to 39" or 1 meter long) just above the water level. A pair will spawn in this cavity and the male will guard the brood. When the fry hatch they are deserted.
BP: 10. This Pleco has not been bred in aquaria.
R: If fish does not get enough algae or "green foods," it will nibble plants. Wild caught specimen have a more stunning contrast of colors. Often sold as a "Common Plecostomus" in the United States. In stagnant water conditions with little dissolved oxygen, the Snow King Plec, like other Plecos, can intake atmospheric oxygen, and store it in its intestine. Many of the large loricarids are said to leave scratch marks on Plexiglass tanks.
DC: 4. A hardy, long-lived catfish, that must be kept in a large tank.
http://fish.mongabay.com/
