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Catfish Leopard Plecostomus over 10cm
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SKU 16660
$47.95
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Price incl. GST (15%) $6.25
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Catfish Leopard Plecostomus over 10cm
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Product details
Leopard Plecostomus Profile
Overview
The Leopard Plecostomus (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps), also commonly referred to as the Sailfin Pleco, is an iconic armored catfish prized for its striking honey-comb or leopard-like spot pattern and expansive, sail-like dorsal fin. As specimens grow over 10 cm, their bold pattern becomes highly defined, and they develop into impressive, robust showcase fish for large aquariums.
Origins
Native to South America, the Leopard Pleco originates from the inland river systems of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in countries such as Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela. They naturally inhabit slow-moving rivers, flooded forests, and muddy riverbeds rich in submerged tree roots and fallen timber.
Personality
The Leopard Pleco is generally a docile, peaceful giant toward top and mid-water species. However, as it reaches and exceeds 10 cm, it becomes increasingly territorial toward other bottom-dwellers and large armored catfish. They are largely nocturnal, spending the daytime resting inside caves or attached to driftwood, becoming active at night to forage along surfaces.
Quick Care Specifications
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Care Level: Easy
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Temperament: Peaceful (Semi-aggressive toward other large bottom-dwellers)
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Diet: Omnivore / Herbivore-leaning (Algae wafers, spirulina tablets, sinking pellets, blanched vegetables like zucchini and cucumber, supplemented with sinking protein foods and essential driftwood for digestion)
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Max Size: 35 â 50 cm
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Family: Loricariidae
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Tank Size: Minimum 450 litres (Juveniles under 10 cm can temporarily live in 200 litres, but specimens over 10 cm require a large, long-term setup)
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Temperature: 23°C â 28°C
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pH: 6.5 â 7.5
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Group Requirements: Best kept singly (solitary). Keeping multiple individuals in a single tank requires an extremely large system (750+ litres) with abundant visual barriers, as adults will fight over caves and grazing territory.
Pro Tip / Did You Know? Driftwood is a critical dietary requirement for the Leopard Plecoânot just a decoration! Wood provides cellulose and essential fiber that aids their specialized digestive tract. Additionally, their modified stomach allows them to swallow air to survive in low-oxygen waters during dry seasons in the wild.
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