24. Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus x Pterygoplichthys pardalis ― Hybrid Sailfin Catfish― Exotic

Taxonomy. It is a hybrid of Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus (Weber, 1991), and Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Castelnau, 1855) . One hypothesis posits that these intermediate forms represent hybrids, alternatively, it has been suggested that P. disjunctivus and P. pardalis are synonymous (see Orfinger & Goodding 2018).

Status in the Arabian Peninsula. Recorded from Saudi Arabia (Freyhof et al. 2020).

General distribution. Almost worldwide distribution due to release from aquaria.

Distribution in the Arabian Peninsula. Saudi Arabia: Wadi Hanifah near Riyadh, Al-Kharj south of Riyadh, and in Al-Ahsa Oasis.

Economic importance. Valuable for the aquarium trade.

Reasons of introduction. Ornamental fish industry. Conservation. Not relevant (introduced species).