The PTERYGOPLICHTHYS (Janitor Fish)

Since 2017 I have concentrated on the existence of the Pterygoplichthys (the Janitor fish), an aquatic species native to South America. Commonly mistaken as a soft bodied Plecostomus (as sold in pet stores) the Janitor fish has a hard, armored exo-body with a soft belly and spiny dorsal fins. It survives as a bottom feeder, scrapping algae encrusted concrete and stone aggregate, deposited to reinforced bayou shore lines. Nor is it known whether this exotic and prehistoric looking fish was introduced deliberately or accidentally through man made means, was migratory, or whether severe global climate events carried the animal to these parts.

In addition to “bayou entanglements” which featured the fish, the Pterygoplichthys, has served as inspiration for videos, photography and microscopy. Below is an ongoing photography series and examples of videos under and above water of the Janitor Fish.

Click individual images for slide show.

"Along A Tangled Bank" (2018), video is taken from the shorelines of Brays Bayou, one of many bayou tributaries of Houston, Texas. Post “Harvey” storm bayous are a complex system of native, endangered and invasive species co-existing with the impact of human life and modern demands. Close observations of the wildlife unveil networks of systems and eco-shapes not seen by the naked eye.

The Pterygoplichthys (Janitor Fish) is a non-native species now residing in Houston’s Buffalo Bayou and its connecting tributaries. Brays Bayou is a common nesting ground for the Texas Catfish as well as the Pterygoplichthys. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Division, it is claimed that the Janitor Fish population overcrowds the catfish habitat. It is also claimed that the Janitor Fish contributes the severe eroding of the riparian shorelines when it burrows into the soft embankments for shelter. The video “Pterygoplichthys”, (2018), captures my new relationship with this prehistoric looking, aquatic animal.