Sultan Pleco (L264)

The sultan pleco is a Leporacanthicus from the Tapajós River known by the number L264. Its gray body is covered with round dark spots; in juveniles the tips of the dorsal and tail fins are white, and this white turns yellowish and fades with age. The body color may darken as it gets older.

Sources give its length as between 10 and 18 cm; most fish stay around 12–15 cm in the aquarium. It can be confused with the similar-looking L314.

• At least 200 liters and 100 cm length for one fish.
• Strong flow, high oxygen; caves and rock piles.
• 27–29°C, a 30% water change every week.
• Fine sand or rounded gravel substrate.

Carnivorous. Make pieces of mussel and shrimp, bloodworms, mysis and protein-rich sinking tablets the staple. It eats snails by pulling them out of their shells with its long teeth.

It usually leaves other fish alone, but defends its cave and is territorial toward its own kind. It is nocturnal and spends the day in its cave.

Good companions: Calm fish that like warm water: tetras, dwarf cichlids, corydoras.

Avoid: Snails, dwarf shrimp, other Leporacanthicus species (in limited space).