Leopard Frog Plecostomus (Peckoltia compta)
Elevate your aquarium experience with the captivating and easy-to-care-for Leopard Frog Pleco, (Peckoltia compta) an excellent choice for both novice and experienced aquarists. These elegant fish boast a tranquil demeanour, hardy nature, and striking appearance, although they may exhibit mild territorial tendencies with their own kind and similar species.
Create a harmonious underwater community by housing multiple Leopard Frog Plecos in a spacious tank with ample hiding spots and visual barriers. In addition, these fish are amicable with various tankmates, such as Apistogrammas, Ember Tetras, Honey Gouramis, and Bristlenose Plecos, making them a versatile addition to your aquatic environment.
For a comfortable habitat, maintain subdued lighting and provide an abundance of decor, including bogwood, rocks, and sturdy plants, to create cherished shady retreats. To mimic the highly-oxygenated waters of their native habitat, ensure the tank water is well-filtered and features a robust current.
The Leopard Frog Pleco's breathtaking appearance is characterised by its distinctive yellow and black stripe pattern, with varying degrees of vibrancy depending on the individual specimen. Their classic "pleco" silhouette is enhanced by the unique alignment of their stripes and a gradual tapering of their body from head to tail. Adorned with large, fanned fins that display semi-translucent edges, these fish create a striking visual effect when resting on rocks, driftwood, or substrate.
Whether you're just beginning your aquatic journey or seeking a low-maintenance species to enhance your collection, the L134 Leopard Frog Pleco is an exceptional choice. Among the commonly-kept plecos, this species stands out for its vivid colours and unparalleled beauty, making it a stunning centrepiece in any aquarium.
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| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Peckoltia compta |
| Year Described | 2010 |
| Other Names | L134, Leopard Frog Peckoltias |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Siluriformes |
| Family | Loricariidae |
| Genus | Peckoltia |
| Origins | Brazil |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | cave spawner |
| Lifespan | 8 |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 12 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 75 - 86℉ 24 - 30℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Leopard Frog Plecostomus will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Leopard Frog Plecos is a straightforward process. Males exhibit a more elongated snout and a robust build in the head region, whereas females possess a wider girth just behind the pectoral fins, which is most discernible when viewed from above.