Common Name: L264 Sultan Pleco
Scientific Name: Leporacanthicus joselimai
Other Names: Sultan Pleco, White-Seam Pleco
The L264 Sultan Pleco is a striking species known for its velvety dark gray to black body contrasted by light-colored fin edges, giving it an elegant appearance. It has a streamlined body with a broad head, large eyes, and a sucker mouth adapted for clinging to submerged surfaces. Unlike many plecos that are primarily herbivorous, the Sultan Pleco is more carnivorous, requiring a protein-rich diet. Its peaceful nature and moderate size make it a great addition to larger community aquariums.
Habitat and Distribution:
Native to Brazil, Leporacanthicus joselimai is found in the Rio Tapajós, a clear-water tributary of the Amazon River. It inhabits fast-flowing, oxygen-rich waters with rocky substrates, where it seeks shelter in crevices and caves. These environments are warm and well-oxygenated, making high-quality filtration and aeration essential in captivity.
Size and Lifespan:
This species reaches about 6-7 inches (15-18 cm). With proper care, it can live for 10-12 years.
Diet and Behavior:
The Sultan Pleco is an omnivore but prefers a carnivorous diet. In the wild, it feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae, and biofilm. In captivity, it should be offered high-quality sinking carnivore pellets, frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, blackworms, and chopped raw tilapia, and occasional vegetable matter like spirulina wafers or blanched zucchini. It is generally peaceful but may become territorial with other bottom dwellers if not provided with adequate hiding spaces.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Leporacanthicus joselimai in captivity is rare but possible. They are cave spawners, with males guarding the eggs inside a chosen cave. To encourage breeding, a well-structured tank with numerous caves, stable water conditions, and a protein-rich diet is required. Fry can be fed baby brine shrimp and finely crushed sinking foods.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A minimum of 50 gallons is required for a single specimen, with a larger tank (75+ gallons) preferred for long-term care or multiple plecos. Their ideal tank setup includes a soft sand or fine gravel substrate, multiple rock caves and driftwood for shelter, strong filtration with high oxygenation, moderate to strong water flow to replicate river conditions, and subdued lighting to reduce stress.
Ideal Tank Mates:
The Sultan Pleco is peaceful and can coexist with other non-aggressive fish. Suitable tank mates include Tetras, Corydoras, Geophagus Cichlids, Severums, Angelfish, Silver Dollars, and other similarly sized South American species. Avoid highly aggressive or overly territorial plecos unless the tank is large enough to establish separate territories.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate. They require stable water conditions, a high-protein diet, and good water flow to thrive.
Water Parameters:
-
Temperature: 77-84°F (25-29°C)
-
pH: 6.5-7.5
-
General Hardness (GH): 4-12 dGH
-
Carbonate Hardness (KH): 3-8 dKH
-
Ammonia: 0 ppm
-
Nitrite: 0 ppm
-
Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- High oxygen levels are essential, so strong filtration and additional aeration are recommended.
- They require a mix of protein and occasional plant matter to maintain optimal health.
- Providing multiple caves will help reduce territorial disputes and encourage natural behaviors.
The L264 Sultan Pleco is a beautifully patterned and moderately sized pleco, making it an excellent choice for aquarists looking to add a unique and manageable bottom-dweller to their aquarium. With the right care, they can be a long-lived and rewarding addition to a well-maintained tank.
