Golden vampire pleco - Leporacanthicus heterodon

Scientific name: Leporacanthicus heterodon

Common name: Golden vampire pleco

Family: Loricariidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 11 cm (3.94 - 4.33 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6.5 - 7.4

Recommended water hardness: 4 - 12°N (71.43 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 26 - 29 °C (78.8 - 84.2°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

General Information

Leporacanthicus heterodon — commonly sold as the Golden Vampire Pleco — is a small, chunky Loricariidae from Brazil’s Rio Xingu. The “vampire” nickname comes from its enlarged, fang-like teeth used to prise animal matter from crevices. Adults reach about 10–11 cm (≈4 in) SL, making it one of the smaller Leporacanthicus. It is generally peaceful toward midwater fishes, but territorial with other bottom dwellers and conspecific males, especially around caves.

Food & Feeding

This species is omnivorous with a strong carnivorous bias rather than an algae grazer. Offer a staple of quality sinking carnivore wafers/pellets (loricariid/“meaty” formulas). Rotate frozen/live items such as bloodworms, mysis, prawn/shrimp pieces, and chopped mussel/cockle. Include occasional veg (zucchini, cucumber, algae wafers) for balance. Feed after lights-out in small portions; remove uneaten food to protect water quality.

Sexing

Adult males develop broader/longer heads with more pronounced odontodes on the cheeks and pectoral spines, often a taller dorsal. Females are rounder in the body when gravid. Juveniles are difficult to sex reliably.

Breeding

Cave-spawning loricariid with paternal care. Provide multiple snug caves/tubes of varied diameters (ceramic/slate/stone) and strong aeration/flow. The female deposits a small clutch that the male guards and fans until hatching. Reported incubation is typically ~4–7 days depending on temperature (upper 20s °C). Fry remain in the cave until yolk is absorbed; start with finely powdered foods and newly hatched brine shrimp. Success hinges on stable, clean, well-oxygenated water.

Lifespan

Commonly 8–12 years in aquaria with excellent filtration and steady parameters; longer is possible with exemplary care.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

Tank size: from 90 cm (36″) length for a single; larger footprint for groups or mixed bottom fauna.
Temperature: 26–29 °C (78.8–84.2 °F).
pH & hardness: 6.5–7.4; soft to moderate hardness (approx. 4–12 °dH). Stability matters more than the exact number.
Environment: sand or smooth fine gravel, multiple caves, darker rocks and driftwood; strong, well-oxygenated flow (spray bar/powerhead) and plenty of cover.
Maintenance: weekly water changes (25–40 %) and meticulous filter upkeep; avoid large parameter swings.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Works well with peaceful, active mid-water fishes (tetras, rainbowfish) and non-competitive catfishes. Avoid housing with many other large bottom dwellers or rival Leporacanthicus in tight quarters to limit cave disputes. Provide more caves than fish if keeping multiples.

Behaviour & Usual Place in the Tank

Primarily nocturnal/benthic. By day it rests in caves; after dark it patrols the bottom and hardscape. Territorial posturing occurs at cave mouths, especially among males.

Short Description

A compact Rio Xingu pleco with “vampire” teeth, L. heterodon thrives in warm, fast, oxygen-rich water with abundant caves and a protein-heavy diet. Peaceful with mid-water fish but assertive on the bottom, it’s best kept singly or with careful cave provisioning.