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Leporacanthicus joselimai (L264) Com 5-9 cm
Description
The Leporacanthicus joselimai (L264)
Pleco, known scientifically as Leporacanthicus joselimai and commonly as the Sultan Pleco or Grey Vampire Pleco, is an armored catfish highly appreciated in aquarium keeping because of its exotic pattern of black dots on a grey body
Origin: Native to the Tapajós River, in Pará, Brazil.
Size: It usually reaches between 15 cm and 20 cm in aquariums (although it may grow slightly larger in the wild).
Appearance: Light grey body with dark spots. When young, they have prominent white or yellowish tips on the dorsal and caudal fins. They have the sharp, pointed teeth characteristic of the genus Leporacanthicus.
Water Parameters:
As a rheophilic species, it comes from fast-flowing waters and requires excellent oxygenation.
Temperature: Between 24 °C and 27 °C.
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.6).
Flow: Strong water movement (the use of circulation pumps/powerheads is recommended).
Aquarium Setup:
Tank size: Minimum of 100 to 120 litres for a single specimen.
Decoration: Fine sand substrate, plenty of smooth rocks and driftwood. It is essential to provide caves and dark hiding places, as they are nocturnal fish and territorial with other armored catfish.
Filtration: Powerful filtration system, as they produce a significant amount of organic waste.
Feeding: Although it is an armored catfish, the L264 is mostly carnivorous/omnivorous, and not a common algae eater.
Basis: Sinking pellets rich in animal protein (specific for carnivorous bottom-dwelling fish).
Variety: Frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, chopped shrimp and mussel.
Vegetables: They occasionally accept slices of cucumber or courgette, but they prefer protein.
Pleco, known scientifically as Leporacanthicus joselimai and commonly as the Sultan Pleco or Grey Vampire Pleco, is an armored catfish highly appreciated in aquarium keeping because of its exotic pattern of black dots on a grey body
Origin: Native to the Tapajós River, in Pará, Brazil.
Size: It usually reaches between 15 cm and 20 cm in aquariums (although it may grow slightly larger in the wild).
Appearance: Light grey body with dark spots. When young, they have prominent white or yellowish tips on the dorsal and caudal fins. They have the sharp, pointed teeth characteristic of the genus Leporacanthicus.
Water Parameters:
As a rheophilic species, it comes from fast-flowing waters and requires excellent oxygenation.
Temperature: Between 24 °C and 27 °C.
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.6).
Flow: Strong water movement (the use of circulation pumps/powerheads is recommended).
Aquarium Setup:
Tank size: Minimum of 100 to 120 litres for a single specimen.
Decoration: Fine sand substrate, plenty of smooth rocks and driftwood. It is essential to provide caves and dark hiding places, as they are nocturnal fish and territorial with other armored catfish.
Filtration: Powerful filtration system, as they produce a significant amount of organic waste.
Feeding: Although it is an armored catfish, the L264 is mostly carnivorous/omnivorous, and not a common algae eater.
Basis: Sinking pellets rich in animal protein (specific for carnivorous bottom-dwelling fish).
Variety: Frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, chopped shrimp and mussel.
Vegetables: They occasionally accept slices of cucumber or courgette, but they prefer protein.
