Shoal & Stem
Back to Flora & Fauna

No photo yet

Sign in to submit the first photo

FishintermediateFreshwater

Leopard Frog Pleco

Peckoltia compta

AnimaliaChordataActinopterygiiSiluriformesLoricariidae

📍 Rio Tapajós, Brazil

Ask Finn

Also known as L134, this stunning pleco has a bold black-and-yellow striped pattern resembling a leopard frog. A wood rasper that appreciates driftwood. Peaceful with other fish but territorial toward plecos.

Size4"
Min Tank30g
semi-aggressive
Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Leopard Frog Plecos are primarily wood raspers and algae eaters that require driftwood for rasping and digestion. Supplement with high-quality sinking pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach), and occasional frozen foods like bloodworms. Feed once daily in the evening, as they are nocturnal, and ensure driftwood is always available in the tank.

Behavior

This pleco is nocturnal and spends most daylight hours hiding among driftwood and decorations. While generally peaceful with other fish species, they are highly territorial toward other plecos and will defend their territory aggressively. They are relatively active at night, grazing on wood and surfaces, and may produce audible clicking or squeaking sounds.

Breeding

Breeding Leopard Frog Plecos in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require specific cave-like spawning sites, stable water conditions, and mature males that guard eggs fiercely. Success requires experienced breeders with dedicated breeding tanks and patience, as fry are slow-growing.

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against surfaces

Treatment

Raise temperature to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or ich medication; treat for 10-14 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove decaying driftwood, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure pristine tank conditions

Bacterial Infections

Symptoms

Open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, torn fins, behavioral changes

Treatment

Perform 50% water change immediately, maintain optimal water parameters, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, isolate if possible

Parasitic Infections

Symptoms

Excessive scratching, weight loss despite feeding, visible parasites, clamped fins

Treatment

Use anti-parasitic medication, increase water changes, maintain stable temperature, quarantine affected fish if possible

Community Photos

0 photos

Photos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.

No photos yet — add a tank with Leopard Frog Pleco to be the first!

Sign in to vote.

Tips from the community 💡

0 tips

Real experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.

Sign in to share your experience.

No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!

Quick Facts

pH
5.5–7.5
diet
algae/wood/vegetables
maxSize
4 inches
minTankSize
30 gallons
temperature
77–86°F (25–30°C)

Temperature

77–86°F

25–30°C

Stats

Community tips0
Kept by0 hobbyists