L134 PECKOLTIA COMPTA

The L134 Leopard Frog Pleco (scientific name: Peckoltia compta) is a small, beautifully patterned pleco species from the Loricariidae family. Native to the fast-flowing waters of the Rio Tapajós basin in Brazil, it is a popular choice among aquarists for its vibrant yellow and black striped pattern and relatively manageable size.

Quick Overview

Scientific Name	Peckoltia compta
Common Names	Leopard Frog Pleco, L134
Family	Loricariidae
Origin	Rio Tapajós, Brazil
Size	Up to 4–5 inches (10–12 cm)
Lifespan	10–12 years
Temperament	Peaceful, slightly territorial
Diet	Omnivorous

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size:
  • A minimum of 20 gallons for a single Leopard Frog Pleco. A larger tank (30+ gallons) is better for groups.
• Tank Setup:
  • Substrate: Use sand or fine gravel to protect their barbels and ensure comfort.
  • Decor:
    • Provide plenty of driftwood, rocks, and caves for hiding.
    • These plecos are cave-dwellers and need multiple hiding spots to establish territories.
  • Lighting: Dim to moderate lighting, as this species is more active during dawn, dusk, or nighttime.
• Filtration and Water Flow:
  • Install a high-quality filtration system to maintain pristine water conditions.
  • Moderate water flow replicates their natural river habitat.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 77°F–84°F (25°C–29°C)
• pH: 6.5–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (5–15 dGH)
• Water Quality:
  • Maintain excellent water conditions with ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm and nitrates under 20 ppm.
  • Perform 20–30% weekly water changes to ensure cleanliness.

Diet

The Leopard Frog Pleco is an omnivore that thrives on a balanced diet of plant and protein-based foods.

• Plant-Based Foods:
  • Blanched vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, and spinach.
  • Algae wafers or spirulina-based sinking foods.
• Protein-Based Foods:
  • Sinking pellets or wafers designed for bottom-dwellers.
  • Occasional treats of frozen or live foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia.
• Feeding Frequency:
  • Feed once or twice daily, ensuring all food reaches the bottom. Remove uneaten food to maintain water quality.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament:
  • Peaceful and generally shy. May become slightly territorial, especially during breeding or if overcrowded.
• Tankmates:
  • Ideal tankmates include other peaceful species, such as:
    • Small tetras (e.g., Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras)
    • Corydoras
    • Small rasboras or danios
    • Avoid aggressive or highly territorial fish that may stress the Leopard Frog Pleco.
• Social Structure:
  • Can be kept singly, in pairs, or in small groups. In groups, ensure ample hiding spaces to prevent territorial disputes.

Breeding

Breeding Leopard Frog Plecos in captivity is possible with the right conditions.

1. Sexing:
   • Males: Larger, with more pronounced odontodes (spines) on their pectoral fins and cheeks.
   • Females: Rounder and fuller-bodied, especially when carrying eggs.
2. Breeding Tank:
   • Provide a separate breeding tank with multiple caves for spawning.
   • Maintain a temperature of 80°F–82°F (27°C–28°C) and slightly softer water.
3. Spawning:
   • Males guard the chosen cave, where the female lays eggs.
   • Eggs hatch in 5–7 days, and the fry consume their yolk sacs before becoming free-swimming.
4. Fry Care:
   • Feed fry with infusoria, powdered fry food, or finely crushed algae wafers.

Common Challenges

1. Territorial Behavior:
   • Ensure sufficient hiding spaces to minimize conflicts between males.
2. Water Sensitivity:
   • Leopard Frog Plecos are sensitive to poor water quality. Regular water changes and stable parameters are essential.
3. Dietary Imbalance:
   • Without a varied diet, they may develop nutritional deficiencies. Provide a mix of plant-based and protein-rich foods.

Care Summary

Aspect	Details
Tank Size	Minimum 20 gallons for one, 30+ for groups
Water Parameters	77°F–84°F, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard water
Diet	Omnivorous; algae wafers, blanched veggies, sinking pellets
Temperament	Peaceful, slightly territorial
Lifespan	10–12 years

The L134 Leopard Frog Pleco is a beautiful and relatively low-maintenance species, making it an excellent choice for aquarists with a passion for small, intricately patterned plecos. With proper care and attention to water quality, this species will thrive in a well-planned aquarium.

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