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O Leporacanthicus sp. (L263) - Com 8 - 10 cm
Description
The Leporacanthicus sp. (L263)
Pleco (scientifically classified as Leporacanthicus sp.) is a freshwater armoured catfish native to the Rio Tapajós, in Brazil. Popularly known as the Sultana Pleco, it belongs to the group of so-called "Vampire Plecos" because of its long, pointed teeth designed for a more carnivorous diet.
Physical Characteristics and Behaviour Appearance: It has a greyish-caramel or brownish body, covered with black spots scattered all over. It has a small spine-shaped plate pointing backwards on top of the head, typical of the genus. Maximum size: Can reach between 15 and 20 cm in total length.
Behaviour: It is a mostly peaceful species with other fish in the aquarium. However, males are territorial and may show aggression towards other plecos of the same species or the same genus (Leporacanthicus).
Differentiation: It is very similar to the L264 (Sultan Pleco). However, the L263 has a more brown/caramel tone and does not have the bright white tips on the dorsal and caudal fins that characterise the L264
Water Parameters: As a species originating from fast-flowing rivers of the Amazon basin, the L263 requires very clean, warm and well-oxygenated water.
Parameter Ideal Value: Temperature 26°C to 30°C pH 5.5 to 7.5 Water hardness Soft to medium Water flow Moderate to strong (they like current)
Aquarium size: An aquarium with a minimum length of 100 cm (approximately 150 to 200 litres) is recommended to accommodate one adult specimen.
Hiding places: It is essential to provide plenty of ceramic caves, logs and rocks. As fish with more nocturnal habits, they need dark places to take refuge during the day.
Filtration: It should be oversized. These fish produce a high biological load and require low levels of nitrogen compounds (ammonia and nitrites at zero).
Feeding: Unlike common plecos that eat algae, members of the genus Leporacanthicus are mostly carnivorous/omnivorous with a preference for animal protein. Basis of the diet: Protein-rich bottom pellets (formulas for carnivorous fish). Fresh/Frozen foods: Shrimp, mussel, clam meat, artemia and mysis.
Supplements: They also accept vegetables occasionally (such as courgette or cucumber) and plant-based pellets to balance digestion.
Pleco (scientifically classified as Leporacanthicus sp.) is a freshwater armoured catfish native to the Rio Tapajós, in Brazil. Popularly known as the Sultana Pleco, it belongs to the group of so-called "Vampire Plecos" because of its long, pointed teeth designed for a more carnivorous diet.
Physical Characteristics and Behaviour Appearance: It has a greyish-caramel or brownish body, covered with black spots scattered all over. It has a small spine-shaped plate pointing backwards on top of the head, typical of the genus. Maximum size: Can reach between 15 and 20 cm in total length.
Behaviour: It is a mostly peaceful species with other fish in the aquarium. However, males are territorial and may show aggression towards other plecos of the same species or the same genus (Leporacanthicus).
Differentiation: It is very similar to the L264 (Sultan Pleco). However, the L263 has a more brown/caramel tone and does not have the bright white tips on the dorsal and caudal fins that characterise the L264
Water Parameters: As a species originating from fast-flowing rivers of the Amazon basin, the L263 requires very clean, warm and well-oxygenated water.
Parameter Ideal Value: Temperature 26°C to 30°C pH 5.5 to 7.5 Water hardness Soft to medium Water flow Moderate to strong (they like current)
Aquarium size: An aquarium with a minimum length of 100 cm (approximately 150 to 200 litres) is recommended to accommodate one adult specimen.
Hiding places: It is essential to provide plenty of ceramic caves, logs and rocks. As fish with more nocturnal habits, they need dark places to take refuge during the day.
Filtration: It should be oversized. These fish produce a high biological load and require low levels of nitrogen compounds (ammonia and nitrites at zero).
Feeding: Unlike common plecos that eat algae, members of the genus Leporacanthicus are mostly carnivorous/omnivorous with a preference for animal protein. Basis of the diet: Protein-rich bottom pellets (formulas for carnivorous fish). Fresh/Frozen foods: Shrimp, mussel, clam meat, artemia and mysis.
Supplements: They also accept vegetables occasionally (such as courgette or cucumber) and plant-based pellets to balance digestion.
