−12%
L034 Ancistrus ranunculus
25–28°C · pH 6–7 · 72L
£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.
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Leporacanthicus galaxias
Max Adult Size
up to 12 cm
Lifespan
10 years
Care Level
Moderate
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Temperature
25–29°C
pH Range
6–7.5
Minimum Tank
250L
Diet
Carnivore
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 above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Water Parameters
Temperature
25–29°C
25°CIdeal29°C
pH Level
6–7.5
6Ideal7.5
Leporacanthicus galaxias
L074 Leporacanthicus galaxis - Catfish for Sale UK
Moderate Care
Semi-Aggressive
£93.99Sold Out
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Live arrival guaranteed. If they don’t arrive healthy, email us a short unboxing video the same day for a replacement or refund. Packed in oxygenated bags with insulation and heat packs when needed.
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Boldly patterned L074 vampire pleco, a carnivorous, semi-aggressive catfish to about 12 cm. Needs 250 L and 25-29C water.
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Leporacanthicus galaxias
Max Adult Size
up to 12 cm
Lifespan
10 years
Care Level
Moderate
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Temperature
25–29°C
pH Range
6–7.5
Minimum Tank
250L
Diet
Carnivore
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 above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Full Care Guide
Pleco Fish Guide: Types, Adult Size, Food & Tank Planning
‘Pleco’ is a loose aquarium-trade label, not one species or one care sheet. Before buying, confirm the scientific name or defensible L-number, adult size and measurement method, required footprint, temperature and water, diet, social plan and source. No universal pleco tank size, menu or algae result is honest.
18 min readRead guide
Water Parameters
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Temperature
25–29°C
25°CIdeal29°C
pH Level
6–7.5
6Ideal7.5
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.
Vampire pleco (L074) care summary
- Diet: carnivore — not an algae eater
- Temperature: 25–29°C; pH 6.0–7.5; 0–15 dGH
- Tank: 250 litres or more
- Adult size: ~12cm; lifespan around 10 years
- Temperament: semi-aggressive, holds bottom territory
- Care level: Moderate
Adding L074 to your aquarium
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.
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4.6 on Google Maps, rated 4.6 out of 5 (opens in a new tab)4.4 · 91 shop reviews read them, rated 4.4 out of 5
- 4 out of 5Verified buyer
I have a small group of long finned mountain minnows. So was delighted to be able to order ten of this variety to increase the genetics in my tank . The ones I recieved are healthy but it’s to early to give a verdict on wether they are of a long finned type since they are small currently.
Gordon Walker · 23 Sept 2026
- 5 out of 5Verified buyer
100% success travel and "installation". Pleased with quality of purchase. The Siamese fighter a bit "shy" so have not yet seen him at his best yet but looking good. Happy customer. GG
George E Garratt · 21 Sept 2026
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