Galaxy Pleco (L029)

The galaxy pleco is the best-known member of the genus Leporacanthicus, with its spotted body reminiscent of the night sky and the long, pointed teeth in its upper jaw. The name "vampire pleco" comes from these teeth, which in the wild are used to catch snails and crustaceans and pull them out of their shells.

The true L. galaxias is known by the number L029. Forms sold under the numbers L007 and L240, with a taller dorsal fin or different spots, are referred to as "cf. galaxias," and their care is the same. Although sold small as juveniles, it reaches 20–25 cm.

It lives in the fast-flowing, rocky stretches of the Tocantins basin. It hides in crevices between stones and hunts snails and insect larvae on the rocks.

• Volume: At least 300 liters and 120 cm in length for one adult.
• Cave: A cave or rock hollow sized to its body; it claims its own territory.
• Flow and oxygen: A powerful filter and circulation pump.
• Water: 26–28°C, with a 30% water change every week.
• Decor: Because it can dig under rock piles and shift them, rocks should be set up securely so they cannot topple.

Carnivorous. Mussel and shrimp pieces, bloodworms, mysis, krill and protein-rich sinking wafers should be the staple. It loves snails and is also used to control snail infestations. It may eat small amounts of vegetables but should not be fed like a herbivorous pleco. Since it feeds at night, give food after the lights go off; siphon out leftover meaty food the next morning.

Nocturnal and territorial. It can be aggressive toward its own kind and other plecos and defends its cave fiercely. It generally leaves medium-sized fish alone, but shrimp and snails become its food.

Good companions: Medium to large, fast, hardy fish: large tetras, Geophagus species, medium-sized cichlids, large barbs.

Avoid: Shrimp, snails, other plecos (in a confined space), very small, slow bottom dwellers.

In a home aquarium a single individual is kept. More than one Leporacanthicus can only be attempted in a very large aquarium, with a separate cave and visual barriers for each. If another pleco species is kept in the same aquarium, it too should have its own cave away from the galaxy pleco's territory.

It breeds in caves; the male guards the eggs. Breeding in the aquarium is rare and requires a lot of space.

Hardy. Low oxygen and dirty water cause problems. Individuals fed only vegetables lose condition. It is sensitive to copper.

Mature males have a wider head and longer odontodes on the pectoral fin spines and cheeks. Females are plumper when viewed from above.