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Leopard Frog Pleco
Peckoltia compta
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Siluriformes›Loricariidae
📍 Rio Tapajós, Brazil
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.
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.
Tank Mates
Small, peaceful mid-water swimmers that won't compete for bottom space or provoke territorial behavior
Peaceful schooling fish that prefer similar acidic to neutral water conditions
Can coexist if tank is large enough (30+ gallons) with multiple hiding spots, but monitor for territorial disputes
Small algae eaters that occupy similar niches but are less aggressive and can share space with proper cover
Peaceful dwarf cichlid that prefers mid-water and won't directly compete with bottom-dwelling pleco
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against surfaces
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
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove decaying driftwood, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure pristine tank conditions
Bacterial Infections
Open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, torn fins, behavioral changes
Perform 50% water change immediately, maintain optimal water parameters, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, isolate if possible
Parasitic Infections
Excessive scratching, weight loss despite feeding, visible parasites, clamped fins
Use anti-parasitic medication, increase water changes, maintain stable temperature, quarantine affected fish if possible
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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