The Loyal Algae Eaters Tropical Aquariums: Leopard Frog Pleco

The Loyal Algae Eaters Tropical Aquariums: Leopard Frog Pleco – Peckoltia: named member of the Natural History Commission of Rondon, after Gustavo Peckolt. The specific epithet means in reference the species attractive patterning adorned.

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The Loyal Algae Eaters Tropical Aquariums: Leopard Frog Pleco

Typical tank set up with this fish is South American biotope with rocks, roots, driftwood, or bog wood. Live plants will not be crucial, but are valued. Does best if there's a moderate current.

Feeding

An omnivorous species using a preference for foods that are meaty. Offer an assortment of foodstuffs including sinking catfish pellets/granules/tablets/ frozen foods and algae wafers Spirulina, like mosquito larvae -enriched Mysis shrimp, brineshrimp, chopped krill etc too as some vegetable matter for example spinach, kale, cucumber etc. that are blanched

Sexing

Females remain unadorned and also have a wider girth across the body. This is most obvious when the region just behind the pectoral fins is seen from above.

Suggested Tankmates

A moderate sized pleco that may be joined with softer acidic water and most tankmates that share the same taste for warm. A perfect pleco for a Tapajós set up but can be joined with most small or moderate sized fishes. Everything from little characins to eartheaters that is bigger will do nicely.

Care

The Leopard Frog Pleco is a lovely dwarf species of suckermouth catfish appropriate for mature softwater aquaria. Juveniles have a more extreme yellowish background colour with regular banding, whereas in adult specimens, the yellow will fade and the number of stripes that are dark can improve or break up into areas. Leopard Frog Plecos will feel most at home under dim lighting.

Plenty of décor consisting predominantly of bogwood, with rocks / cobbles and robust planting will all help create much appreciated refuges that are dishonest. The water needs to be - an adequate current and filtered supplied so that you can mimic the -oxygenated waters the Leopard Frog Plecos originate from.

Breeding

They may be a cave spawner. A change in seasons causes while the amount and quality of water increases reproduction in the wild – water temperature will decrease. Regular partial water changes with slightly cooler water imitates this in an aquarium. Male takes good care of the young after breeding. Run regular partial water changes to keep water parameters.

Additional Information

Younger fish have more background yellow color and older fish are darker with more stripes. As they come from oxygenated rivers in their native habitat, best if a reasonable current exists. Frequent partial water changes really are a necessity.