Order Siluriformes
Family Loricariidae
Subfamily Ancistrinae
Continued…
Genus Leporacanthicus.
Adult males develop longer odontodes on the first ray of the pectoral fins. They have a wider head with small spines on the sides. Females have a paler coloration and appear more rounded when viewed from above. These fish grow quite slowly. All fish belonging to the genus Leporacanthicus are called “vampires” because of the two long teeth on the upper jaw. They are territorial from a young age. Up to one year of age, the fish behave very modestly, trying to stay in shelters, wary of other, larger fish, but readily getting into fights with their conspecifics.
Growing a little older, they are among the first to swim out for feeding, even in full light. They also start bullying larger catfishes of other species. But by this time, a clear hierarchy already exists within their own species group, and conflicts are rare. The aquarium should be set up so that each Leporacanthicus has its own “shelter”. They prefer soft water with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction.
— Leporacanthicus galaxias [Isbrucker & Nijssen 1989]. (Galaxy Pleco, Tusken Pleco, Vampire Pleco). (L 007, L 029). Brazil, from Amazonia and the Rio Tocantins basin. 15-20 cm. Very large eyes. In juveniles, spots are large, pink or orange. With age, the size of the spots decreases, but their number increases. Their coloration fades, but they remain patterned.
The body is black, with diverse small dirty-white dots. In the male, the head is wider and elongated, with small odontodes on the sides, and the odontodes on the first ray of the pectoral fins are longer than in females. Males are generally brighter, and the dorsal fin is usually slightly larger. Females often have a lighter background coloration.
Pronounced intraspecific aggression, as well as towards bottom-dwelling fish claiming its territory. It is better to combine them with upper water column species. Most of its activity occurs at night. Natural driftwood is required in the aquarium. It will be necessary to provide shady areas and shelters to hide. The number of shelters should be at least equal to the number of fish. Lighting should not be too bright — otherwise, the fish will only be active after the lights go out.
Fish are more demanding of water quality than other ancistruses and require powerful filtration and aeration. They do not tolerate nitrites. In the aquarium, these catfish reluctantly eat algae growth, preferring spirulina tablets, flakes, and natural protein foods, such as large bloodworms. Eats snails. pH 6.0-7.0; dH up to 12°; T 22-26°C.
— Leporacanthicus heterodon [Isbrucker & Nijssen, 1989]. (Golden Vampire Plec). (L 172a). Rio Xingu River, Brazil. 10-17 cm. The body is dark gray, which changes to light gray depending on its mood or surroundings, with oval black spots scattered across the body and fins. In juveniles, the coloration has a grayish-brown tone. Males have a longer and wider head than females, as well as a larger dorsal fin and more numerous growths on the snout.
Territorial towards other bottom-dwelling fish. A spacious aquarium is required, preferably with a sandy substrate. Provide shelters with large pieces of wood and smooth stones. The number of shelters should be at least equal to the number of fish. Lighting should not be too bright — otherwise, the fish will only be active after the lights go out. Omnivorous. Eats snails. pH 6.0-7.0; 3-10° dH; T 22-26°C.
Identification: Genus Leporacanthicus — Leporacanthicus galaxias, heterodon.
— Leporacanthicus joselimai [Isbrucker & Nijssen, 1989]. (Sultan Pleco). (L 264). Brazil, Tapajos River. 13-17 cm. On a grayish-brown body background, there are black spots, mostly oval in shape. White tips in young fish and yellow in adults on the dorsal and caudal fins are characteristic. White markings on the fins turn yellow with age, and dark spots become smaller and more numerous. The ventral area has similar coloration, but with larger and fewer spots.
Males have a longer and wider head than females, as well as a larger dorsal fin and more numerous growths on the snout. This species is best kept in a small group of 3-5 fish, provided that enough shelters are available (at least two per fish). They can be aggressive towards smaller species of the family and bottom-dwelling fish. They lead an exclusively nocturnal lifestyle, so they must be fed at night. Omnivorous, they prefer animal food and rarely take vegetable food. They spawn in a cave, with the male caring for the eggs. pH 6.0-7.5; 2-15° dH; T 25-27°C.
— Leporacanthicus triactis [Isbrucker, Nijssen & Nico, 1992]. (Beacon Pleco, Three Beacon Cactus Pleco). (L 091). Orinoco River in Colombia and Venezuela. 25 cm. Large head with horny protrusions on the upper part. Mouth in the form of a sucker, equipped with two rows of teeth, with the upper two being very long. The body (except the belly) is covered with rows of broad bony plates. The front rays of the pectoral and anal fins are strongly thickened and covered with small prickles. The dorsal fin is large and sail-like, often pressed against the body. There are several different color morphs, each possessing a varying amount of orange in the unpaired fins.
Depending on sex and age, coloration can range from brown, gray, to coal-black with dark spots. It has 3 bright spots, with each of the unpaired fins featuring a yellow, orange, or red spot. The coloration of the body and fins does not disappear with age, unlike many of its relatives. The male is larger and more brightly colored, with a larger dorsal fin than the female.
There are two main color forms: — “Tiger fin”: The caudal and dorsal fins are entirely orange-toned, with irregular black spots. The body is brownish with small dark gray dots, giving the body a striped appearance; — “Dragon fin”: The orange coloration of the dorsal fin spreads across almost the entire fin and enlarges when excited. The orange tone becomes reddish, creating a flame-like feel, hence the nickname “dragon”. The body coloration is black. Males have an elongated head, more intense coloration, and a slightly larger dorsal fin.
Pronounced intraspecific aggression; even males and females behave unfriendly toward each other. The number of shelters should be at least equal to the number of fish; they prefer cave-type shelters that must match their size. It gets along well with other fish. Compatible with any non-aggressive inhabitants of tropical waters. Adult specimens require a spacious, larger aquarium with various shelters: natural driftwood, grottoes, caves, and plant thickets planted along the walls.
Activity begins at dusk, while during the day it hides in shelters. Moderate, diffused lighting. Powerful filtration, aeration, current, and weekly water changes are necessary. Omnivorous. Eats food: live (shrimp, mussels, fish pieces, worms, mosquito larvae), frozen, and dry, including those with plant supplements. Eats snails in the aquarium. pH 6.0-7.6; 2-15° dH; T 24-27°C.
Panaque cochliodon, bathyphilus, nigrolineatus, suttonorum.
Hypancistrus contradens, debilittera, furunculus, inspector, lunaorum zebra. 
