Vampire pleco – A colourful and uniquely patterned member of the genus Leporicanthicus

Vampire pleco, also known as golden vampire pleco, is a small fish covered with tiny black dots on the skin found in the Xingu River Basin in Brazil. Its bright golden colour makes it a distinct species from other freshwater fish. The black spots on the skin remind you of the pattern of the Chitas. The fish can grow about 4.1 inches or 10.3 centimetres long when suitable conditions surround it.

Besides these features, the fish has a blunt thorn-like plate on its head. The large size of their heads helps them navigate in dense water. Adult males have larger heads than females. Moreover, you will also see more odontodes on their pectoral fin spine and body. The larger dorsal fin is another distinct factor that makes the fish appear unique.

Golden vampire pleco

A colourful fish-patterned is a member of the genus Leporicanthicus. It is a freshwater fish found in warm, fast-moving waters. They are trendy in Brazil and found in large numbers in the Rio Xingu region. Shallow rocky water is the perfect habitat for the fish.

If you want it in the aquarium, you should create its natural habitat where plenty of the area is covered with rocks. Try to imitate its natural habitat to keep it happy. The fish will adapt to the new region quickly and live comfortably. Also, ensure regular feeding is provided to keep the fish getting the necessary nutrition.

Golden Vampire plecos are calm and generally found in a relaxed condition. They are less aggressive than others in their category. In the right condition, the golden vampire pleco can grow up to size of 8 to 10 centimetres. Their diet is crucial for their healthy growth. Provide them with a protein-rich diet containing naturally found ingredients and fish food filled with necessary nutrition.

Habitat and Tank Conditions

Golden vampire plecos (Leporacanthicusheterodon) require plenty of space to swim around and explore the region. However, the fish needs enough hiding space. The absence of a hiding space would make the fish stressed. In their natural habitat, the fish are found near caves, water plants, and stone formations, protecting them from predators.

Therefore, you should create artificial caves and stone structures whenever you decide to host the golden vampire plecos in the aquarium. The tank size should be large enough to offer the fish plenty of open space. It is recommended that tanks be at least 48 inches long.

Use the sandy substrates and fine rounded rocks or gravel to imitate the river bed. Additionally, keep the water enough oxygen supply in the water. Use the oxygen pump and filters to create movement in the water because the fish are found in the rapidly moving water. Thus, you must create a structure that makes them enjoy their habit and not see it as uncommon. Fish could develop stress if the habitat seems unsuitable.

The water temperature should be between 82 and 86F. In their natural habitat, the fish are hidden behind rocks and caves. Establishing suitable territories will make them relax.

The pH level can be between 6.5 and 6.5, and the acid level in the water can be controlled. Rising chemicals in the water also affect the health of the fish. Control the acid level as minimally as possible. Perform partial water changes more often to keep the water condition stagnant.

What size aquarium do they need?

Golden vampire plecos are found in open water, and their large size requires enough space in the tank to swim. A tank at least 48 inches or about 122 cm long is recommended. A tank of 50 gallons of water would provide enough space to cover the water with rocks and plenty of substrates to depict the fish’s natural habitat.

Breeding

Golden vampire plecos require a large enough aquarium to be bred. The size of the tank should be at least 200 liters. Soft, medium-hard water similar to the river condition would make the fish comfortable. Use the force of the filters to create the water current to imitate the rapidly flowing water in the river. During the breeding period, the fish lay around 30 to 40 eggs. Approximately six days are needed for the eggs to hatch.