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Photo of: Leopard Pleco (Glyptoperichthys gibbiceps)
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Scientific Name(s): Glyptoperichthys gibbiceps, Ancistrus gibbiceps, Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps
Common Name(s): Leopard Pleco, Sailfin Pleco, Leopard Plecostomus, Sailfin Plecostomus, Spotted Sailfin Pleco
Family: Loricariidae
Species Type: Plecostomus
Maximum Size: 20 inches
Life Span: 25 years
Natural Habitat: South American rivers (Peru)
Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons
Tank Region: Bottom
Possible Tank Mates: Works well in most tank settings that require similar water parameters. Some species would include Angelfish, Barbs, African Cichlids. Loaches, Oscars, Convicts, Tetra, etc
Description: The Pleco or Plecostomus are nocturnal so it is best to feed them in the evening just before turning out the lights. A word of caution, they have been known to remove slime from latterally flattened fish like discus and angelfish when they are sleeping! Even though they are herbivores they can get quite large and can become too big for small aquariums.
Keep some wood in the tank since rasping algae from the wood provides a perfect place for more algae to grow maintaining a constant food source for this fish. Also, the cellulose in wood is necessary for their digestive process.
Pleco or Plecostomus make very good community fish as they are peaceful with other tankmates. The only exception to this is they can get aggressive and territorial towards other plecos if they were not raised together.
Temperature Range 72°F - 82°F
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| 60°F |
65°F |
70°F |
75°F |
80°F |
85°F |
90°F |
| pH 5.0 |
pH 6.0 |
pH 7.0 |
pH 8.0 |
pH 9.0 |
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Breeding Information: Very difficult simply due to space constraints. In the wild, they dig or utilize pre-dug caves excavated into the riverbank, amidst flooded charcos of questionable water quality. Thus, provided that size requirements are met, this species is likely fairly easy to spawn, as they are in southeastern Asia. |
African Catfish
