L264 Sultan Pleco

Leporacanthicus joselimai

Also known as L264, Sultan Pleco L264

Animalia›Chordata›Siluriformes›Loricariidae

The L264 Sultan Pleco is a stunning nocturnal catfish from South America, featuring distinctive white spots and stripes on a dark body with an impressive odontode-covered head. This is a highly specialized wood-eater and algae grazer that requires driftwood and established biofilm to thrive. It is a challenging species best suited for experienced aquarists who can provide stable water conditions and appropriate diet.

Where it's from

Native to the Amazon river basin

Brazil

At a glance

Size: 8 in; 20 cm
Min tank: 75 gal; 284 L
Temp: 75–82°F; 24–28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
GH: 71–143 ppm; 4–8 dGH
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 10-15 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Tanks keeping this

Kept by 1 member

1 tank shared publicly.

Will Et Fred

@williamimbeault

Care

Diet

The L264 Sultan Pleco is primarily a wood-eater and biofilm grazer that feeds on established algae and decaying wood. Supplement with high-quality sinking pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber), and occasional protein-rich foods like bloodworms. Feed 2-3 times weekly in the evening when they are most active.

Behavior

This is a nocturnal, solitary species that spends most of the day hidden among driftwood and caves. They are territorial and can be aggressive toward other plecos and bottom-dwellers, especially as they mature. They are relatively inactive during daylight hours but become more active at night when they forage for food.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is extremely rare and poorly documented. They likely require very specific water conditions, mature driftwood for spawning sites, and stable environmental parameters. No reliable breeding information is available for home aquarists.

Tank mates

See all 5

Lemon Blue Eye Bristlenose Pleco

Both are plecos; may compete for territory and food despite different ecological niches

caution

Imitator Corydoras

Bottom-dweller that occupies different microhabitat; minimal direct competition

good

Upside-Down Catfish

Different feeding behavior and habitat preference; generally compatible

good

Spotted Raphael Catfish

Both nocturnal bottom-dwellers; may compete for hiding spaces and food

caution

Rope Fish

Different ecological niche and feeding strategy; minimal conflict

good

Fits a 75-gallon tank

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).