A highly sought-after, striking yellow and black banded pleco native to the fast-flowing Tapajós river basin in Brazil. They are omnivores that appreciate a balanced diet including meaty foods and wood. Due to their natural habitat, they require warm, highly oxygenated water and plenty of caves or driftwood for hiding.
Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) At a Glance
Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) Tank Requirements
Will Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) Water Parameters
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Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) Temperament & Compatibility
Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard Leopard Frog Pleco. While generally peaceful towards other species, they can be territorial with other bottom dwellers over hiding spots. Provide at least one cave or distinct hiding spot per pleco.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Adult, L134
Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) Care Guide Summary
The Leopard Frog Pleco (L134), scientifically known as Peckoltia compta, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 11 cm and have a depressed body shape with a slow growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 26°C and 30°C, with a pH range of 6–7.4 and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) is typically available in one standard form.
Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Leopard Frog Pleco (L134), a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement.
Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited and boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Leopard Frog Pleco (L134).
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 17 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Leopard Frog Pleco (L134)
How big does Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) get?
Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) (Peckoltia compta) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 11 cm. They have a depressed body shape and a slow growth rate.
What tank size does Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Leopard Frog Pleco (L134). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) need?
Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 26–30°C, a pH between 6 and 7.4, and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) peaceful or aggressive?
Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) live alone?
Yes, Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) benefits from driftwood (digestion/hiding), smooth gravel (sensitive barbels), and sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Leopard Frog Pleco (L134)
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Glowlight Tetra
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Ideal Tank MatesGlass Catfish
Kryptopterus vitreolus
Ideal Tank MatesLesser Spiny Eel
Macrognathus aculeatus
Ideal Tank MatesHalf Banded Spiny Eel
Macrognathus circumcinctus
Ideal Tank MatesJurupari Eartheater
Satanoperca jurupari
Ideal Tank MatesMarbled Whiptail
Loricaria simillima
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Leopard Frog Pleco (L134)
These plants pair well with Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
Capuron's Aponogeton
Aponogeton capuronii
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Fish Similar to Leopard Frog Pleco (L134)
Zebra Pleco (L046)
Hypancistrus zebra
A highly sought-after, strikingly beautiful black-and-white striped pleco endemic to the fast-flowing Xingu River in Brazil. Unlike common plecostomus, it is primarily carnivorous (a micropredator) and will not clean algae. They are notoriously shy, slow-growing, and require highly oxygenated, warm water with vigorous flow to thrive.
Angelicus Pleco L073
Hypancistrus sp. L073
A stunning, small black-and-white spotted pleco native to the fast-flowing tributaries of the lower Amazon. Unlike many plecos, the Angelicus is a Hypancistrus species, meaning it is an omnivore that heavily prefers a meaty, protein-rich diet and will generally ignore algae. They require warm, highly oxygenated water with strong flow.
Butterfly Pleco (L168)
Dekeyseria brachyura
A strikingly patterned, flat-bodied plecostomus known for its ability to change color to match its surroundings (often alternating between light and dark bands). Native to the Rio Negro basin, it is a highly capable algae eater that requires well-oxygenated water with good flow. It is generally peaceful but can be territorial over favored caves.
Leopard Pleco
Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps
The Leopard or Sailfin Pleco is a massive, heavily armored suckermouth catfish known for its striking spotted pattern and huge dorsal fin. While excellent algae eaters when young, they grow enormous, produce extreme amounts of waste, and require massive aquariums. They are notorious for uprooting plants and may suck the slime coat off flat-bodied fish (like Discus) at night.
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018)
Baryancistrus xanthellus
A stunning, highly sought-after Loricariid native to the fast-flowing, highly oxygenated waters of the Rio Xingu in Brazil. They feature a dark body covered in bright yellow spots with thick yellow seams on their dorsal and caudal fins. They require high temperatures, high water flow, and a diet rich in biofilm, aufwuchs, and fresh vegetables. They are notoriously territorial towards other bottom-dwellers.
Green Phantom Pleco (L200)
Hemiancistrus subviridis
A stunning, vibrant green Loricariid native to the fast-moving rapids of the Orinoco River. Known for its yellowish-green body dotted with light spots. It requires highly oxygenated, warm water with strong flow. While peaceful to mid- and top-dwelling fish, they are heavily armored and fiercely territorial toward other bottom dwellers, especially other plecos. They are also known to chew on broad-leaved plants like Amazon Swords.









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