Gold Leopard Pleco (L172)
Gold Leopard Pleco (L172)
Gold Leopard Pleco (L172) (Leporacanthicus heterodon) displays golden-yellow spots on a dark body — a more warm-toned spotted pattern than the pale spots of other Leporacanthicus. Pseudacanthicus and Leporacanthicus are carnivorous plecos with a strongly protein-based diet — they will not function as algae eaters and require meaty foods to thrive.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Sinking Wafers and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms are the primary staple foods. Supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp and frozen mussel or shrimp. These are carnivorous species — algae wafers are not appropriate as a staple.
Carnivorous loricariids from rocky South American rivers. Require strong flow, high oxygenation, caves for shelter. Can be territorial with conspecifics and sometimes aggressive toward other bottom-dwelling species — keep one per tank in smaller setups.
Singly in smaller aquariums — territorial with own kind. Compatible with robust, similarly sized fish that occupy different parts of the tank.
Impressive and unusual carnivorous plecos for experienced aquarists.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate — Advanced |
| Temperament | Territorial — carnivorous specialist |
| Typical Adult Size | 8.0 inches (20 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Singly — one per tank in smaller setups |
| Ideal Temp | 78–86°F (26–30°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 2–12 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–5 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Sinking Wafers; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp; frozen mussel or shrimp |
| Origin | Rio Tapajós and Rio Tocantins, Brazil |
| Notes | L172. Formally described as L. heterodon. Gold-yellow spots. Carnivorous. |
