Photo: Ole Paulsen

LEPORACANTHICUS sp. 241

The Colombian Vampire Plecos are fairly large and impressive animals. L241 is black with lots of white dots all over, except for the edges of the fins which are spotless. In aquarium these are quite hardy and adaptable creatures, as long as they are given proper food and good water quality. L241 is among the more regular l-numbers to be exported from Colombia.

Facts:

Name: Leporacanthicus sp.L241

Trade names: Pipehead Vampire Pleco, L241

Origin: Rio Orinoco, Colombia/Venezuela.

Maximum size: 30 cm / 12”

L241 is exported together with the very similar L240. L241 has a lighter colouration, a smaller dorsal fin, usually bigger white spots and a lower, shorter body. L241 has a longer head.

These fish must be kept in well filtered and clean aquariums with lots of hiding places. They are peaceful towards most other fish, but the males can be territorial and aggressive towards each other. Leporacanthicus are meat eaters, and should be fed a protein rich diet consisting of crustaceans, shrimps, mussels and fish meat. Good quality dried foods should also be offered. Larger specimens can produce big clutches of 150 or so eggs. Males have a  broader head with a rim of short odontodes.

Source :

http://www.loricariidae.no/loricariidae.no/_Leporacanthicus_sp_241.html