(Please note that the fish shown in the photo is only a representative of what an adult specimen would look like. The color may vary based on the age and sex of the fish you receive.)
Scientific Name: Leporacanthicus Galaxias L029
Common Name: Galaxy Pleco
Adult Size: ~10 inches
Life Expectancy: 8 - 10 years
Habitat: Amazon Basin
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallon
Ideal Tank Conditions:
- Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F
- pH Range: 5.6 - 7.0
- Water Hardness: 8 - 12
Temperament: Very peaceful species that will get along well with tropical community fish and cichlids. They will squabble with other similar sized Pleco's and bottom feeders if not given enough room to establish a suitable territory. These territorial battles tend not to be too violent.
Diet & Nutrition: Omnivorous, they will eat a variety of plant material and meaty food they find in the aquarium. They are picky eaters, but you should offer them a balanced mix of algae, decaying plant matter, and meat-based meals.
Breeding and Spawning: Pleco species lay eggs and spawn on the side of artificial caves. The female will lay her eggs in the cave. Then the male takes over, protecting the eggs and fanning them. It takes about a week for the eggs to hatch. The fry’s first food will be the egg sac, and after that, offer them baby brine shrimp and small bits of blanched vegetables.
Gender: Adult males have a much longer and broader head with small odontodes on the sides of head, more odontodes on pectoral fin spine and on the whole body, a bigger dorsal fin and normally a prettier coloration.