#loricariidae

Amazon Twig Catfish Farlowella amazonum

A species of armored catfish native to Argentina and Brazil where it is found in Tocantins, Tapajós, La Plata and Amazon basins. This species grows to a length of 22.5 centimetres.

Least Concern

LORICARIIDAE!!!

Royal Pleco (Panaque nigrolineatus), family Loricariidae, order Siluriformes, found in freshwater river basins in Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela

photograph by Neal Monks

Golden Nugget Pleco (Baryancistrus xanthellus), family Loricariidae, order Siluriformes, found in freshwater river basins in Brazil

photograph by Anne Blindheim

Zebra Pleco (Hypancistrus zebra), family Loricariidae, order Siluriformes, endemic to a small section of the Rio Xingu in Brazil

ENDANGERED.

photograph by Animal Graphics

Tiger Pleco (Peckoltia vittata), family Loricariidae, order Siluriformes, found in the Amazon River Basin, as well as other nearby river basins

photograph by SoCav

Amazon Twig Catfish (Farlowella amazonum), family Loricariidae, order Siluriformes, found in river basins in Brazil and Argentina

photograph by JJ Photo

Royal Twig Catfish (Sturisomatichthys panamensis), family Loricariidae, order Siluriformes, found in Pacific Slope river basins in Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador

Move over, Wolverine-- there's a new X-man in town! The wolverine pleco is a species of fish named for the unique set of sharp, extendable claws tucked under its gills. These claws are used defensively, lashing out at potential predators when they get too close.

ANOTHER List of Plecos That Stay Small!

Yes, another! This list has a great variety of plecos (and otocinclus) for every skill level. (A 10 gallon tank is NEVER appropriate for a pleco even if it’s only 1” full grown. Aqadvisor is a great resource on how to properly stock your tank.)

There’s even one I’ve never heard of - Soromonichthys stearleyi that only gets to 1.2”! Previously the tiny hypostominae trophy went to Hypancistrus (Micracanthicus) vandragti at 1.7”.