Induced reproduction of the sailfin pleco, Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps (Kner, 1854) (Pisces: Loricariidae)

The fish species Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps, better known as the sailfin pleco, is a loricarid of ornamental interest that inhabits the Orinoco and Amazon basins in Colombia. There is a basic information related to biology, natural environments where it lives, food habits, reproductive cycles, as well as information on spontaneous reproduction in confinement, but there is not enough information of the response of the species to hormonal inductions for reproduction. To approximate the response of the species to the use of reproductive hormones, sexually mature females were induced with carp hypophyseal extract (EHC) (Argent Inc.) and salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue to GnRhs plus Domperidone (Ovaprim®) (Sigma Chemical Co.). In the case of males hormonal induction was performed with EHC. The positive responses were given with the use of EHC, determining the latency time, fertility and incubation time, showing the reproductive viability of the species under hormonal inductions.