All fish / Loricariidae

Tiger Peckoltia (L134)

Peckoltia compta

Also known as l134, l 134, leopard frog pleco, leopard frog plec, tapajos tiger pleco, peckoltia l134, tiger pleco, L134, ペコルティア・コンプタ, 豹纹青蛙异型

A small, flattened suckermouth catfish with bold black and yellow to cream bands running across the body and fins. It is popular because it stays compact, has striking markings and suits warm, well oxygenated community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

26 to 31 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Singly or in a small group with plenty of caves

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets and wafers, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp, plus vegetables and some wood

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: Rio Tapajós basin

Breeding

A cave spawner in which the male guards the eggs and wrigglers inside a tight cave until the young are free swimming. It breeds fairly regularly in captivity given warm, clean, soft to moderately hard water and suitable caves.

Good to know

Males can be territorial towards other bottom dwellers, so offer one cave per fish. Several similar banded Peckoltia and Hypancistrus species are sold under mixed names, so check the L number.