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Scientific Name Leporacanthicus cf. galaxias(l241)   
Common Names L241, Large Spotted Galaxy Pleco
Storplettet Galaksesugemalle (Denmark)
Pronunciation lepor ah KAN thi cuss
Etymology Latin, lepus, leporis = rabbit + Greek, akantha = thorn. 
Hop to next section Species Information
Size 240mm or 9.4" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification All Leporacanthicus spp. have a small backwards facing slightly proud blunt thorn-like plate on top of their heads.

This Venezuelan species is very similar to Leproacanthicus galaxias but appears slightly more vertically flattened. The juveniles have bigger and fewer spots and as they get older, the spots will get relatively smaller and greater in number but, in general, bigger than L240 and with more space between each spot.
Sexing Adult males have a much longer and broader head with small odontodes on the sides of head, more odontodes on pectoral fin spine and on the whole body, a bigger dorsal fin and normally a prettier coloration.
Hop to next section Habitat Information
Distribution Venezuela
Orinoco, Upper Orinoco (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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Hop to next section Husbandry Information
Feeding Not a true vegetarian so a wide variety of foods, including algae wafers, cucumber or courgette (zucchini), frozen bloodworm, prawns, shrimps and tablet food. Shelled crustaceans or mollusks appear favourite foods but should be fed sparingly or used for conditioning. User data.
Furniture Prefers bogwood and darker rocks.
Compatibility Gets on with small lively catfish but avoid too many other larger bottom dwellers (unless space permits) due to the territorial disputes.
Breeding The males are very aggressive to each other so need a lot of space to hide and a big area (50-60cm²) if more than one male is to be kept. Males tend to be less aggressive towards females.

This species is a cave spawner. The female lays around 30 to 150 eggs depending on her size and condition. The eggs are quite large, around 5-6 mm and orange in colour.

The male will stay in the cave with the eggs and guard his den until the fry have absorbed their yolk sac. The eggs hatch in 2-3 days when the temperature is around 29-31°C. The fry stay close to the males cave benefiting from his protection in the cave. The fry will absorb the yolk sac within 8-10 days, but may stay even longer around the cave.

The cave should be placed where the current is on the return from the filter side. The male always chooses a cave where the current is the strongest because that place will provide water with most oxygen for the eggs and fry. Shadow around the cave is also good to provide, as it makes the male feel comfortable. This can be achieved by using bogwood over the cave and flat stones around the opening. Do this and the cave is well provided for breeding L241.

The eggs are very sensitive, so to hatch successfully, good water conditions are vital. Good water filtration is as important for successful breeding as for fry development.

The species seems to like slightly below pH 7 for breeding. Spawning can be triggered by fluctuated temperature weeks before to simulate dry and wet periods.

The fry will feed on crushed pellets; artemia and mysis are also highly recommended.

A separate growing tank for the juveniles can also be provided, again good filtration is very important as are daily water changes.
Breeding Reports There is no breeding report.
Hop to next section Further Information
Reference DATZ 11/1997, pp 696.
Aqualog (supplement) matches DATZ although labels the picture L240a.
Registered Keepers There is no registered keeper.
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There are 3 records of this fish being seen, view them all.
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Last Update 2022 Jan 19 11:06 (species record created: 2002 Oct 05 00:00)