Leopard Frog Pleco (Peckoltia compta) Care Guide
An attractive small pleco from the Rio Tapajós in Brazil with bold yellow and black banding patterns that resemble a leopard frog.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Peckoltia compta is a species in the family Loricariidae. An attractive small pleco from the Rio Tapajós in Brazil with bold yellow and black banding patterns that resemble a leopard frog. Hardy and adaptable, it is one of the more forgiving L-number plecos for intermediate aquarists. Omnivorous but appreciates some wood in the tank for rasping.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Peckoltia
- Scientific name: Peckoltia compta
- Other names: L134, Peckoltia compta, Imperial Tiger Pleco
- Origin: South America
Habitat
Endemic to the Rio Tapajós and Rio Jamanxim basins of Brazil. Inhabits rocky rapids and clearwater stretches. A small Peckoltia traded under the L-number L134; an omnivore that grazes biofilm and accepts both vegetable matter and protein.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Adult size: 10-12 cm
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Difficulty: intermediate
Diet
Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 1x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: bottom
- Compatible tank mates: Tetras, Corydoras, Dwarf Cichlids, Rasboras, Peaceful community fish
- Avoid with: Large aggressive cichlids, Other territorial plecos
Breeding
- Breeding strategy: cave-spawner
- Breeding difficulty: intermediate
Leopard Frog Pleco (Peckoltia compta) Breeding Guide
Overview
Peckoltia compta (L134) has been bred successfully in the aquarium. It is a cave-spawning loricariid in which the male takes on brood care, and it is regarded as one of the more attainable L-number plecos for intermediate aquarists.
Sexing
Adult dominant males develop sharp odontodes (tooth-like bristles) along about three-quarters of the length of their tails; these are absent in females and in non-dominant males. The cloaca also differs, being V-shaped in males and U-shaped in females.
Conditioning
Condition adults of both sexes well before pairing. Reported breeding water is soft, around pH 6.0-7.2 and a temperature of roughly 25-28 °C (77-82 °F).
Breeding Setup
Provide caves, crevices and wood: eggs are deposited in burrows or crevices, often in a cave or under a piece of wood. A separate breeding tank is reported to increase fry survival rates.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Spawning colours intensify and the act can be somewhat rough, occasionally resulting in minor injuries. The female deposits a clutch in the chosen cave or crevice; estimates range from 10 to 50 eggs, which are relatively large at about 3.5 mm in diameter and dark yellow. After deposition the male guards the eggs.
Egg & Fry Care
The eggs hatch after about seven days. Larvae subsist on their yolk sacs for roughly a week before becoming free-swimming; the male guards until the fry are free-swimming and provides no further supervision afterward. Initial feeding consists of very small foods such as newly hatched Artemia (brine shrimp) nauplii.
Common Challenges
Rough spawning can cause minor injuries, so monitor the pair and maintain good water quality. Rearing fry in a dedicated tank, rather than the community, improves their survival rate.