−12%
Moderate
L034 Ancistrus ranunculus
26–30°C · pH 5.5–7.5 · 80L
£60.71£68.99
Boldly patterned L074 vampire pleco, a carnivorous, semi-aggressive catfish to about 12 cm. Needs 250 L and 25-29C water.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
L074 Leporacanthicus galaxis
Boldly patterned L074 vampire pleco, a carnivorous, semi-aggressive catfish to about 12 cm. Needs 250 L and 25-29C water.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Plecos are the ultimate algae-eating catfish for freshwater aquariums. From the tiny bristlenose to the massive common pleco, there's a pleco for every tank size.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Forget the algae-scraper stereotype — L074 Leporacanthicus galaxis, sold in the hobby as the vampire pleco, is a carnivore. That single fact shapes everything about keeping this boldly patterned South American catfish, from a meaty feeding routine to the semi-aggressive streak it shows around the bottom of the tank. Rated Moderate care, it suits keepers stepping up from beginner plecos who want a catfish with genuine presence and a feeding response worth watching.
An adult runs to about 12cm and can keep you company for a decade, so house it properly from the start: 250 litres minimum, water between 25 and 29°C, pH 6.0–7.5 and hardness anywhere from very soft up to 15 dGH. Upstairs, it gets along with peaceful midwater company of similar size — tetras, rainbowfish and non-aggressive dwarf cichlids are all sensible picks in a suitably large tank. Downstairs is its domain: leave out other overly territorial bottom dwellers and fin-nipping species, and never trust it around very small shrimp, fry or any fish small enough to be eaten. Expect the territorial side to sharpen if it comes into breeding condition; that is normal for the strain.
Feeding deserves planning of its own. A carnivorous pleco wants substance, and because it works the bottom of the tank, food must actually reach it — one reason boisterous surface feeders make poor companions and calm midwater shoals make good ones. The 0–15 dGH hardness window is generous, so most keepers will find water chemistry the easy part; it is space, diet and territory that decide success with L074.
Pick tankmates by size and speed: anything that could fit in a carnivorous pleco’s mouth eventually will. One vampire pleco per bottom territory is the safe rule in most home aquariums, with the rest of the stocking built from robust midwater swimmers. When you order, your L074 Leporacanthicus galaxis travels by licensed live-animal courier anywhere in the UK with our live arrival guarantee in place.
26–30°C · pH 5.5–7.5 · 80L
26–30°C · pH 6–7.5 · 80L
23–29°C · pH 6–7.5 · 80L
23–28°C · pH 6–7.5 · 80L
24–30°C · pH 6–7.5 · 400L
23–29°C · pH 6–7.5 · 80L
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 500L
20–27°C · pH 6–7 · 54L
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 150L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.8 · 300L
20–24°C · pH 7–8 · 45L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 2000L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
24–28°C · pH 5.5–7 · 60L
18–25°C · pH 6–8 · 100L
24–28°C · pH 7–8 · 120L
18–28°C · pH 6.5–8 · 20L
24–27°C · pH 7.5–8.8 · 150L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 60L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 40L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 500L