Origin
Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus is native to South America. Vermiculated sailfin catfish were introduced to the United States as fish farm escapes or intentionally released.

Life Cycle
P. disjunctivus coloration includes a dark and light wavy pattern on the abdomen and light spots that transform into chevron shapes on the back. Vermiculated sailfin catfish are approximately 27.6 in. (70 cm) in length. P. disjunctivus use its suctorial mouth to feed on algae and detritus attached to surfaces. During breeding, male P. disjunctivus create burrows along river banks where females lay and guard their eggs.

Distribution
P. disjunctivus is established in Florida and North Carolina. Observations/Catches have been recorded in Mississippi and Washington.

Control Efforts
The effects of P. disjunctivus is unknown. However, an interesting association has been recorded between wintering Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus) and Vermiculated sailfin catfish where the catfish graze on the manatee’s epibionts (an organism living on the surface of another living organism).

https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=767

Resources

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• Florida's Exotic Wildlife Species Detail - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Selected Images

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Maps

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Invasive Listing Sources

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• Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area
• Florida Invasive Species Partnership
• Nonnative Invasive Species in Southern Forest and Grassland Ecosystems

References

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Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.

Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.