Vampire Pleco
Leporacanthicus galaxias
Also known as: Galaxy pleco, Tusken pleco, L007, L240
Quick Facts
- Adult size: 23-25 cm (9-10 inches)
- Minimum tank size: 250 litres (66 gallons)
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: bottom
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum group size: 1
- Difficulty: intermediate
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 22–26°C
- pH: 6–7
- Hardness (GH): 54–214 ppm (3–12 dGH)
Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.
Care Summary
The vampire pleco (L007), also called the galaxy pleco, is a dramatic charcoal-to-black fish speckled with pale spots and finished with three vivid orange-yellow blotches, one on each unpaired fin. Its name comes from its formidable dentition: a pair of long, fang-like upper teeth that mark it out as a carnivore. This is emphatically not an algae eater. It needs a protein-rich diet of sinking carnivore foods, frozen bloodworm, mussel, and prawn, and it will hunt snails and small shrimp. It comes from fast Amazon rapids and so demands strong flow and high oxygen, with warm, soft to neutral water. Reaching around 25cm, it needs a spacious tank. Peaceful towards fish too large to eat, it is a hardy and impressive oddball once its current, oxygen, and carnivorous appetite are catered for.
Tankmates
Peaceful towards fish too large to be eaten, and a good companion for mid and upper water community fish such as larger tetras, rainbowfish, and peaceful cichlids in a spacious, high-flow tank. As a committed carnivore it will eat shrimp and snails, so do not keep it with prized dwarf shrimp or ornamental snails. It needs strong current and high oxygen. Keep one per tank and provide caves, and avoid large aggressive cichlids.
Compatible with
Avoid keeping with
- Cherry Shrimp
- Amano Shrimp
- Nerite Snail
- Large Cichlids
Common Problems
- being starved or stunted on an algae-based diet when it needs meaty foods
- predation on ornamental shrimp and snails
- sensitivity to low oxygen and weak flow
- territorial behaviour towards other large bottom dwellers
Sources: planetcatfish.com, seriouslyfish.com · Last updated: 2026-10-04