L134 Leopard Frog Pleco

Sicher

Peckoltia compta

Auch bekannt als: L134 Pleco, Leopard Frog Pleco

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Beschreibung

Peckoltia compta, commonly known as the L134 Leopard Frog Pleco, is a small, highly sought-after freshwater catfish belonging to the family Loricariidae. It is prized for its striking coloration and relatively peaceful demeanor, making it a popular choice among aquarists. This species is characterized by a flattened ventral surface and a body covered in bony plates, typical of plecos. Its distinctive pattern of dark spots and bands on a yellowish to orange background gives it its common name.

Körperliche Merkmale

Körperform: flat
Färbung: The body is typically yellowish to orange, adorned with irregular dark brown to black spots and bands that resemble a leopard or frog pattern. The intensity and distribution of these markings can vary between individuals. Fins often display similar patterns.
Schuppentyp: none
Maulstellung: inferior
Besondere Merkmale: Flattened ventral surface, Body covered in bony plates (odontodes), Distinctive leopard-like or frog-like spot and band pattern, Relatively small size for a pleco, reaching up to 10-12 cm (4-5 inches) in total length.
Rückenflosse: A single, relatively tall dorsal fin, often with a dark base and lighter margins, displaying the characteristic spot pattern.
Schwanzflosse: A forked caudal fin, often with a dark band or spots, and sometimes with extended filaments on the upper lobe in mature males.
Brustflosse: Well-developed pectoral fins, typically broad and used for propulsion and maneuvering, also patterned.
Auffällige Flossen: Adipose fin present, small and often with a dark spot.

Bestimmungstipps

Coloration and Pattern

Look for the distinctive yellowish to orange base color with irregular dark brown to black spots and bands covering the entire body and fins. This 'leopard frog' pattern is key.

Size

Adults typically reach 10-12 cm (4-5 inches) in total length, making them a smaller pleco species.

Body Shape

Observe the flattened ventral surface and the overall robust, yet somewhat compressed, body shape typical of Peckoltia species.

Fin Shape

Note the forked caudal fin and the relatively tall dorsal fin. Males may exhibit longer caudal fin filaments.

Lebensraum

Wassertyp: freshwater
Tiefe: Typically found in shallow to moderate depths, often in areas with submerged wood and leaf litter.
Umgebung: Native to clear, fast-flowing rivers and tributaries, particularly in areas with rocky substrates, driftwood, and dense vegetation. They prefer well-oxygenated water with plenty of hiding places.
Geografische Verbreitung: Endemic to the Rio Tapajós basin in Brazil, South America. Specifically found in the lower and middle sections of the Tapajós River and its tributaries.

Aquarieninformationen

Pflegeaufwand: intermediate
Temperament: peaceful
Ernährung: omnivore
Mindestbeckengröße: 75 Liters (20 Gallons)
Temperatur: 24-29°C (75-84°F)
pH-Wert: 6.0-7.5
Härte: 2-15 dGH
Verträglichkeit: Generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive, similarly sized fish. Avoid highly aggressive or very large tank mates that might outcompete it for food or stress it. Good tank mates include small tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, and other peaceful bottom dwellers.
Besondere Anforderungen: Requires a well-oxygenated aquarium with plenty of hiding spots such as caves, driftwood, and rock formations. A sandy or fine gravel substrate is preferred. Good filtration is essential, and regular water changes are necessary to maintain water quality. While omnivorous, a significant portion of their diet should consist of vegetable matter, supplemented with protein-rich foods.

Informationen zum Wildbestand

Erhaltungszustand: least concern
Saisonalität: Breeding in the wild is often associated with the rainy season, leading to increased availability of food and suitable spawning sites. Availability in the aquarium trade is relatively consistent due to captive breeding efforts, though wild-caught specimens may be more seasonal.
Marktpreis: Varies significantly based on size, origin, and demand, typically ranging from $40 to $150 USD per fish.
Kommerzielle Bedeutung: medium
Geschmack: Not typically consumed due to its small size and bony nature.
Textur: N/A
Nährwert: N/A

Wichtige Fakten

L-Number Designationinteresting

The 'L134' designation is an L-number, a system used by the aquarium hobby to identify undescribed or newly described Loricariid species before a formal scientific name is widely adopted. It stands for 'Loricariidae number 134'.

Nocturnal Foragersbehavior

Peckoltia compta are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning they are most active during twilight hours and at night. They spend their days hiding among rocks and driftwood, emerging to feed when it's darker.

Sexual Dimorphismbehavior

Mature males often develop more prominent odontodes on their bodies and pectoral fin spines, and may have longer caudal fin filaments, especially during breeding season. Females tend to be rounder in the body, particularly when gravid.

Cave Spawnersbehavior

Like many plecos, Peckoltia compta are cave spawners. Males will guard the eggs laid by the female within a confined space, such as a small cave or crevice, until they hatch.

Sicherheitsinformationen

Sicher

Sicherheitsstufe: safe
Giftig: Nein
Essbarkeit: not recommended
Hinweise zum Umgang: Peckoltia compta, like most Loricariids, possesses odontodes (dermal denticles) on its body and fin spines that can become entangled in nets or cause minor scratches if handled carelessly. Always use a solid container or a fine-mesh net to transfer them to prevent injury to the fish or handler. They are not venomous.

Wissenschaftliche Klassifikation

Reich: Animalia
Stamm: Chordata
Klasse: Actinopterygii
Ordnung: Siluriformes
Familie: Loricariidae
Gattung: Peckoltia
Art: compta