Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps[2] is a species of armored catfish native to Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela where it is found in the Orinoco and Amazon basins.

Adult fish easily attain a length of 50 centimetres (20 in) TL and can live for more than 20 years.

A typical plec shape is shown, patternation consists of primarily irregular largish brown spots on a yellowish background giving a honeycombed like appearance, additional pattern features common to related species may be visible on close inspection.

Common names include 'gibbys', leopard sailfin catfish and clown plecs—the juveniles have a comical appearance due to the large and obvious spots.

This fish is extremely popular in the aquarium, due to its unusual appearance and its ability to eat algae; the bane of all aquarists.

A lesser-known trait is its mild camouflage ability, where it can lighten or darken its scales in a tiger-stripe pattern.