L091 Leporacanthicus Triactis (Wild Caught) 1.5″-3″

The L091 Leporacanthicus Triactis is a stunning species of pleco that belongs to the Leporacanthicus genus, known for its unique appearance and striking features. Native to the Amazon River Basin in South America, this species is prized by aquarium enthusiasts due to its distinct spiny fins and beautiful coloration.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size:
  • The L091 can grow up to 7–8 inches (18–20 cm), and it is recommended to house it in a minimum tank size of 50 gallons (190 liters). Larger tanks are always preferred, especially if you plan to keep more than one or other bottom-dwelling species.
• Tank Setup:
  • Substrate: A soft, sandy substrate is ideal to prevent any damage to the pleco’s barbels. Avoid sharp gravel or rough substrates.
  • Decor: The L091 pleco enjoys having plenty of driftwood in the tank, as it feeds on wood and biofilm. Including caves and hiding spots like rocks and driftwood is crucial for its comfort.
  • Plants: The L091 can tolerate plants, but it tends to focus more on algae and wood. Robust plants like Anubias, Java fern, and Amazon swords are good choices.
  • Water Flow: The L091 prefers moderate water movement, so a canister filter or powerhead will help maintain water circulation.

Water Parameters

• Temperature:
  • Keep the water temperature between 75°F and 82°F (24°C–28°C).
• pH:
  • The L091 thrives in slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH of 6.5–7.5.
• Hardness:
  • Maintain the water hardness in the range of 4–12 dGH.
• Ammonia/Nitrite:
  • Ammonia and nitrite levels should always be at 0 ppm.
• Nitrate:
  • Keep nitrate levels below 20 ppm to ensure good water quality.

Diet

The L091 Leporacanthicus Triactis is an omnivorous species, but it is primarily herbivorous and enjoys feeding on wood, algae, and plant matter.

• Wood:
  • As a wood-eating pleco, the L091 requires an ample supply of driftwood in the tank. It will graze on the biofilm and algae that grow on the wood surface. You can offer Mopani wood or Malaysian driftwood.
• Algae:
  • The L091 will feed on algae naturally growing on surfaces in the aquarium. You can supplement its diet with algae wafers or spirulina-based food.
• Vegetables:
  • Offer blanched vegetables such as zucchini, cucumbers, and sweet potatoes. These provide additional nutrients and fiber.
• Protein:
  • While primarily herbivorous, the L091 will benefit from occasional protein-rich foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
• Feeding Frequency:
  • Feed the L091 once a day or every other day, and make sure it consumes the food within 3–5 minutes to prevent water contamination.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament:
  • The L091 Leporacanthicus Triactis is a relatively peaceful and shy species. It is generally non-aggressive but can be territorial, especially when it comes to bottom-dwelling space.
  • It is a nocturnal species, becoming more active at night when it feeds and explores the tank.
• Tankmates:
  • The L091 can coexist with other peaceful fish, such as tetras, rainbowfish, and larger cichlids that do not compete for bottom space.
  • Avoid housing it with aggressive species or other territorial bottom-dwelling fish.
  • Ensure plenty of hiding spots to reduce territorial disputes.

Breeding

Breeding the L091 Leporacanthicus Triactis in captivity is rare and not well-documented. However, the general breeding habits of other species in the Leporacanthicus genus may provide some insight:

1. Breeding Tank Setup:
   • A large tank with plenty of driftwood, rocks, and flat surfaces like slates is ideal for breeding.
   • The temperature should be maintained at around 80°F (27°C), with a pH of 6.5–7.5.
2. Conditioning:
   • Condition the fish with a high-protein diet consisting of live or frozen foods and wood for 2–4 weeks before breeding.
3. Spawning:
   • The female will lay her eggs on flat surfaces or inside caves, and the male will fertilize them.
   • The male will guard the eggs until they hatch. The fry will initially be attached to surfaces and will gradually start swimming as they mature.

Common Challenges

1. Wood Availability:
   • The L091 depends on wood for both its diet and foraging behavior. Ensure that enough driftwood is available in the tank at all times.
2. Territorial Behavior:
   • This species can be territorial, particularly when there is limited space. Ensure the tank is large enough and contains multiple hiding spots to prevent aggression.
3. Water Quality:
   • Like all plecos, the L091 requires clean, stable water parameters. Regular water changes and proper filtration are necessary to maintain water quality.

Care Summary

Aspect	Details
Tank Size	Minimum 50 gallons, larger preferred
Water Parameters	pH 6.5–7.5, 75°F–82°F, soft to moderately hard water
Diet	Wood, algae, vegetables, protein-rich foods
Temperament	Peaceful but can be territorial
Lifespan	10+ years

The L091 Leporacanthicus Triactis is a beautiful and interesting pleco that adds a unique touch to any aquarium. Its peaceful nature, though somewhat territorial, makes it a good addition to larger aquariums with compatible tankmates. Ensuring an environment rich in wood and maintaining proper water conditions will keep the L091 happy and healthy for years to come.