Vampire Pleco (Leporacanthicus galaxias) Care Guide

A dramatically beautiful pleco with a jet-black body covered in bright white to yellow spots, resembling a starry night sky. Unlike most plecos, it is primarily carnivorous and will not eat algae.

Overview

Leporacanthicus galaxias is a species in the family Loricariidae. A dramatically beautiful pleco with a jet-black body covered in bright white to yellow spots, resembling a starry night sky. Unlike most plecos, it is primarily carnivorous and will not eat algae. Named for its prominent tooth-like odontodes. A territorial bottom-dweller that requires caves and strong water flow.

Taxonomy

Family: Loricariidae
Genus: Leporacanthicus
Scientific name: Leporacanthicus galaxias
Other names: Galaxy Pleco, Tusken Pleco, L029
Origin: South America, Brazil, Amazon Basin

Habitat

Native to the lower Tocantins River basin in northern Brazil. Inhabits rocky rapids and submerged wood at depths of 2-15 m. The "galaxias" patterning of white spots on a black background distinguishes this Leporacanthicus from related species in the trade as L240; despite its predatory teeth, it does not actively eat algae.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 200 L
Temperature: 24-28 °C
pH: 5.5-7
GH: 2-10 °dGH
Water flow: strong
Adult size: 20-25 cm
Lifespan: 8-12 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as carnivore. 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: semi-aggressive
Swimming level: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Large Tetras, Angelfish, Corydoras, Rainbowfish
Avoid with: Other Plecos, Aggressive Cichlids

Breeding

Breeding strategy: cave-spawner
Breeding difficulty: advanced