Edit Leporacanthicus galaxias

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Name

Scientific name

Leporacanthicus galaxias

Described by

Not recorded

Family

Loricariidae

Summary

The galaxy plec, Leporacanthicus galaxias (L029), is a suckermouth catfish from the Amazon, Tocantins and other river basins in Brazil. Als…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

250mm, standard length

Tank size

Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm, Minimum height 45 cm

Water

Temperature and pH

Temperature 22–26°C, pH 5.6–7

Hardness

0–10dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Peaceful

Community suitability

Not recorded

Where it lives

Countries

Not recorded

Supporting text

Etymology

Not written yet

Distribution

Various river basins in Brazil, including the Amazon and Tocantins.

Habitat

A reophilic species that lives in rapids and other fast-flowing waters.

Aquarium size

It is territorial, so a tank measuring at least 120 ∗ 45 ∗ 45 cm48 ∗ 18 ∗ 18 in - ~243 litres~64 US gal is required to house one properly.

Maintenance

A spacious tank is required, preferably with a sandy substrate. Provide hiding places and shade with some big chunks of driftwood and smooth rocks. Dim lightin…

Water conditions

Temperature: 22 – 26 °C72 – 79 °F pH: 5.6-7.0 Hardness: 0-10°H

Diet

Not a particularly vegetarian Loricariid, L. galaxias will accept most sinking dried foods, and also enjoys munching on meatier fare such as earthworms, prawns…

Behaviour and compatibility

Generally peaceful with species inhabiting other parts of the tank. In a biotope setup good tankmates include larger characins such as Anostomus, Hemiodus, Sem…

Sexual dimorphism

When viewed from above mature males have a noticeably longer and wider head than females. They also have a bigger dorsal fin and more numerous odontotes than f…

Reproduction

Has been bred in the hobby, but no details are available. It spawns in deep holes in river banks during the wet season in nature.

Notes

A very stylish looking plec, L. galaxias can also be seen for sale as the vampire or tusken plec. Both these names relate to features of morphology that are sh…

A very stylish looking plec, L. galaxias can also be seen for sale as the vampire or tusken plec. Both these names relate to features of morphology that are shared by all members of the genus. The latter arose from the presence of a characteristic growth on the head of the fish. The vampire moniker, meanwhile, is derived from the unique upper jaw dentition, consisting of, you guessed it, two large teeth or "fangs". The exact use for these is unknown, but they're probably utilised to grip prey items such as snails or other aquatic invertebrates in some way.

There are four similar but undescribed variants of this species available, which may turn out to be geographical forms or species in their own right. They are all known as Leporacanthicus cf. galaxias and so are best referred to by their L numbers. The first, L007 is imported from Brazil and has a pattern consisting of larger spots than the true L. galaxias. It also has a shorter nose and bigger dorsal fin than galaxias. Both L240 and L241 are Venezuelan in origin. L240 is very difficult to tell apart from galaxias and may turn out to be the same fish, while L241 has a more flattened profile when viewed side on. The fourth variant, L294 is also from Brazil, but very little other information is available and we've never seen one in the flesh.

A final point to note. When buying these (or any Loricariid), check the fish has a rounded belly and that its eyes aren't sunken, as these are classic signs of emaciation in newly imported specimens.

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the profileFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

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Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Tank size

Water

Temperature and pH

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries

Supporting text

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References