Peckoltia compta L134 LEOPARD FROG PLECO

🐸 Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) — Peckoltia compta Care Guide

The Leopard Frog Pleco, designated L134, is a striking dwarf pleco species prized for its vivid contrast of yellow and dark brown striping. Native to the Rio Tapajós in Brazil, this species is peaceful, relatively hardy, and well-suited for planted aquariums and community tanks with proper conditions.

🐟 Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Peckoltia compta

• L-number: L134

• Common Name: Leopard Frog Pleco

• Origin: Rio Tapajós, Pará, Brazil

• Size: Up to 4.3 inches (11 cm)

• Lifespan: 8–10 years with proper care

• Temperament: Peaceful, but mildly territorial with other bottom-dwellers

• Behavior: Nocturnal, reclusive during the day

🏡 Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons for a single specimen; 30+ gallons for small groups

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel

• Décor: Provide numerous caves, driftwood, and shaded zones for hiding

• Lighting: Low to moderate (dim preferred)

• Water Movement: Gentle to moderate current

• Filtration: Strong, clean biological filtration is essential due to pleco waste load

💧 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 78–86°F (25.5–30°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH)

• TDS: 100–250 ppm

• Water Changes: 25–40% weekly with dechlorinated water to maintain stability

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Although often mistaken for algae-eaters, Leopard Frog Plecos are omnivores with a preference for protein. A well-rounded diet is key to their health and coloration.

• Staple Foods: Sinking carnivore pellets or pleco wafers

• Protein Foods: Frozen or live bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp

• Vegetable Treats: Blanched zucchini, spinach, or cucumber (occasional)

• Feeding Schedule: Feed once or twice daily after lights out; remove uneaten food to avoid fouling the water

🤝 Tankmates & Compatibility

• Ideal Tankmates: Small, peaceful community fish such as tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, and Corydoras

• Avoid: Large, aggressive species or overly competitive bottom-feeders

• Social Structure: Can be kept singly, in pairs, or trios; provide multiple caves if keeping more than one

🐣 Breeding Behavior

Breeding Peckoltia compta is achievable in the home aquarium with some preparation.

• Spawning Type: Cave spawner

• Trigger Conditions: Large cool water change and oxygenated flow

• Spawning Behavior: Male traps the female in a cave, guards fertilized eggs until they hatch (around 7–10 days)

• Fry Rearing: After yolk sac absorption, feed fry baby brine shrimp or powdered foods; keep water quality pristine

📝 Quick Summary

🧠 Pro Tips

• Use pleco caves with only one opening to encourage successful spawning.

• Avoid sharp decorations or rough gravel that could damage their undersides.

• Feed protein-rich foods consistently for optimal color development.