Species profile
Sultan Pleco
Leporacanthicus joselimai
Semi aggressive
Hard care
250 L minimum aquarium
15–20 cm adult size
Bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
L264 is a trade/L-number identifier, not part of the scientific binomial. Use Leporacanthicus joselimai as the scientific name and retain L264 as an alias.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
25–29 °C
pH
5.5–7.5
GH
2–12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
High
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Shrimp snails
Bioload factor
3.2
Territorial cave-dwelling loricariid, particularly toward similar plecos. Provide several solid caves and strong oxygenation.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
No / caution
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
8–12 years
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
250 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 50 cm
Accepted scientific name
Leporacanthicus joselimai
Alternative names
Sultan Pleco, Sultan Plec, L264, White Tip Vampire Pleco
Native range
Rio Tapajós basin, Brazil.
Natural habitat
Rocky fast-flowing river habitat with strong current, high dissolved oxygen and numerous crevices.
Diet & feeding
Strongly invertebrate-oriented feeder. Use meaty sinking foods, crustaceans, mollusc flesh and frozen foods with some varied prepared foods; not an algae-control fish.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males develop heavier cheek/pectoral odontodes and broader heads; females are smoother and fuller-bodied.
Breeding
Male cave-spawner. The female deposits eggs in a defended cave and the male guards/fans the clutch and early fry.