Vampire plecos (Leporacanthicus) (Leporacanthicus spp.) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Vampire plecos, Galaxy pleco (L007, L029), Golden vampire pleco (L. heterodon, L172), Orinoco galaxy pleco (L240), Tusken pleco
Family
Loricariidae (suckermouth armoured catfishes)
Origin
South America: fast-flowing, rocky stretches of the Xingu, Tocantins, Guamá and other Amazon tributaries, plus the upper Orinoco in Venezuela.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
25 cm
Temperature
24–30°C
pH
5.6–7.2
Hardness
Soft to medium
Minimum tank
300 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive

Care

Genus overview. Leporacanthicus are the vampire plecos, named for the two long, curved teeth in the upper jaw. The genus ranges from roughly 10 cm (L. heterodon, about 10 cm SL on PlanetCatfish) to about 25 cm SL (L007 and L240 galaxy types). Figures in this entry vary by species, so check the species or L-number before buying and plan for the adult size of that particular fish. Popular fish sold under this genus: L007 and L029 (galaxy pleco, L. galaxias and cf. galaxias), L240 (Orinoco or northern galaxy pleco), L. heterodon (golden vampire pleco, linked to L172), L. triactis (L091) and L. joselimai (L263/L264, sultan pleco). The 300-litre minimum here is our estimate for the larger galaxy types; the smaller species can live in less. Tank: these are rapids fish. Give them strong flow, very good oxygenation and clean water, with bogwood, smooth dark rocks and plenty of caves. Each fish will claim a cave and defend the area around it. Temperatures run warm: about 22-26 °C for L007 but 26-31 °C for L. heterodon and L240, so match the temperature to the species. Sexing: males have broader, longer heads, more bristle-like odontodes on the head, body and pectoral spines, a larger dorsal fin and usually brighter colour. Status: L. heterodon is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN (2018), and several Xingu fish are affected by the Belo Monte dam. Many L-numbers are still wild-caught, though some are now bred. Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=160; speciesid=1797; speciesid=911). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Omnivores leaning to meaty food, with long, fang-like teeth used to prise snails and crustaceans from rocks. Offer sinking tablets, algae wafers, frozen bloodworm, prawns, shrimp and mussel, plus courgette or cucumber. Shelled foods are favourites but should be rationed. Not an algae eater.

Breeding

Cave spawners, bred in the hobby for several forms including L007, L240 and L. heterodon. The male guards the eggs in a cave. For L240, PlanetCatfish reports clutches of about 50-150 large orange eggs (5-6 mm) that hatch in 2-3 days, with the fry using up the yolk sac in about 12 days. Very clean, well-oxygenated water and seasonal changes in temperature (and water changes to imitate rain) help trigger spawning.

Compatibility and tank mates

Good with small, active fish such as tetras, peaceful South American cichlids and small catfish. Territorial with other bottom-dwellers, especially other plecos and similar-looking catfish, so avoid several large loricariids unless the tank is big with plenty of caves. Will eat snails and may eat shrimp.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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