Leopard Frog Pleco
Peckoltia compta
Also known as: Leopard frog plec, L134
Quick Facts
- Adult size: 10-11 cm (4-4.3 inches)
- Minimum tank size: 90 litres (24 gallons)
- Lifespan: 8–10 years
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: bottom
- Diet: omnivore
- Minimum group size: 1
- Difficulty: intermediate
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 24–28°C
- pH: 6–7.4
- Hardness (GH): 36–179 ppm (2–10 dGH)
Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.
Care Summary
A small, handsome pleco banded in bold black and golden-yellow, the leopard frog (L134) comes from the Tapajos river system in Brazil. Its modest adult size of around 11cm and its peaceful nature make it one of the more tank-friendly plecos, suited to a soft, warm, slightly acidic community with good flow and a scatter of caves and wood for it to claim and spawn in. It is an omnivore: offer sinking pellets, vegetables, and regular protein such as frozen bloodworm rather than relying on algae. One important note is conservation: the species is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, so buy captive-bred stock, which is now widely available, rather than wild-caught fish. A rewarding and relatively compact pleco for an intermediate keeper.
Tankmates
Peaceful and compact, and an excellent fit for a soft-water community of small tetras, rasboras, dwarf rainbowfish, dwarf cichlids such as German blue rams, and corydoras. Provide caves and wood; males are cave spawners and will defend a chosen hollow. Keep one per small tank, or give a larger tank enough caves for several. Avoid large cichlids, boisterous fish, and fin-nippers. Choose captive-bred stock, as the species is Endangered in the wild.
Compatible with
- Cardinal Tetra
- Neon Tetra
- Rummynose Tetra
- Harlequin Rasbora
- German Blue Ram
- Sterbai Corydoras
- Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish
- Pearl Gourami
Avoid keeping with
- Large Cichlids
- Fin Nippers
- Aggressive Tankmates
Common Problems
- buying wild-caught stock of an IUCN Endangered species rather than captive-bred
- being underfed on algae when it needs a varied omnivore diet
- male territorial disputes over caves where hiding spots are too few
- ich
Sources: planetcatfish.com, seriouslyfish.com · Last updated: 2026-10-04