Our Guide To Keeping Golden Vampire Pleco
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About Fish Species:
- Scientific name: Leporacanthicus heterodon
- Common name: Golden Vampire Pleco
- Family: Loricariidae
- Origin: South America, specifically the Xingu River in Brazil
- Adult length: Up to 20 cm (7.9 inches)
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
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Tank Setup:
- Golden Vampire Plecos require a tank with plenty of hiding spots, driftwood, and caves to mimic their natural habitat.
- A tank size of at least 200 litres is recommended to accommodate their size and provide ample swimming space.
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Water Parameters:
- They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water conditions with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
- Keep the water temperature between 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F).
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Filtration and Water Flow:
- Golden Vampire Plecos require good water flow and efficient filtration to maintain optimal water quality.
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Diet:
- They are omnivores and require a varied diet consisting of high-quality sinking pellets, algae wafers, and occasional live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
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Tank mates:
- Golden Vampire Plecos are generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially towards other bottom-dwelling fish.
- They can be kept with other peaceful community fish that occupy different levels of the tank, such as tetras, rasboras, and peaceful cichlids.
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Behavior and Compatibility:
- They are nocturnal and will often hide during the day, so provide plenty of hiding spots and dim lighting.
- They may exhibit territorial behavior, especially towards conspecifics, so it's best to keep them singly or in mated pairs in larger tanks.