Leporacanthicus heterodon

Golden Vampire Plec

Classification

Loricariidae, Subfamily: Ancistrinae

Distribution

Rio Xingu basin, Brazil.

Habitat

A reophilic species that lives in rapids and other fast-flowing waters.

Maximum Standard Length

Uncertain. Several prominent sources list its adult size as just over 4″ (10cm), but specimens over 6″ (15cm) are not uncommon in the trade.

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

Given its territorial nature and potential size, a tank in the region of 48″ x 12″ x 12″ (120cm x 30cm x 30cm) – 108 litres in size is a sensible choice.

Maintenance

A spacious tank is required, preferably with a sandy substrate. Provide hiding places and shade with some big chunks of driftwood and smooth rocks. Dim lighting is also beneficial, and it’s imperative that the water is highly oxygenated, preferably with a good amount of movement. Consider the use of powerheads or large airstones to produce the desired effect. An efficient filter is needed to deal with the large amounts of waste it produces.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)

pH: 6.0-7.0

Hardness: 3-10°H

Diet

Not a very vegetarian Loricariid, it will accept most sinking dried foods, and also enjoys munching on meatier fare such as earthworms, prawns, mussels, bloodworm and suchlike. Oddly for a Loricariid, it also relishes snails.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

Generally peaceful with species inhabiting other parts of the tank. In a biotope setup good tankmates include larger characins such as Anostomus, Hemiodus, Semaprochilodus and Metynnis species, reophilic cichlids such as Retroculus and in a big tank, other Loricariids requiring similar conditions.
It’s territorial towards other benthic species, particularly those with similar colour patterns, and a group of these would need very roomy quarters.

Sexual Dimorphism

When viewed from above, mature males have a noticeably longer and wider head than females. They also have a bigger dorsal fin and more numerous odontotes than females.

Reproduction

It’s probably not been bred in the hobby.

NotesTop ↑

The vampire part of the common name is derived from the unique upper jaw dentition exhibited by members of this genus, consisting of, you guessed it, two large teeth or “fangs”. The exact use for these is unknown, but they’re probably utilised to grip prey items such as snails or other aquatic invertebrates in some way. When buying one of these (or any Loricariid), be sure to check the fish has a rounded belly and that its eyes aren’t sunken, as these are classic signs of emaciation in newly imported specimens.