Description
Leporacanthicus triactis
Leporacanthicus triactis is a beautiful large suckermouth catfish known from rapid sections of rivers where water is forced at speed through boulders and is saturated with oxygen. This species grows to a substantial size and will require a spacious, mature aquarium with soft, acidic water. Provide a dark substrate and plenty of shady retreats amongst bogwood and sturdy rocky caves, ensuring all decor is secure as larger specimens can be a little clumsy at times. The water should be very well-filtered (adult fish produce a substantial amount of waste) and a decent current should be provided by extra powerheads in order to simulate the highly-oxygenated waters that these fish originate from; they will not fare well in calmer waters. Ensure regular partial water changes are carried out to help keep nitrogenous wastes to a minimum. This species is generally peaceful, although it can be rather territorial with its own kind and similar species. More than one specimen may be kept in the same tank if it is spacious and multiple hiding places/visual barriers are provided. L. triactis mixes well with medium sized characins, some of the more robust Corydoras catfish species, and many rheophilic cichlids. Depending on various factors, including mood, sex, age, or surroundings, these fish can change colour from brown or grey to charcoal black. There are also a couple of different colour forms of this species, displaying varying degrees of the bright orange markings – one of the more commonly imported variants is referred to as ‘tiger fin’. Adult fish tend to display an overall lighter colouration than younger fish but they always retain the distinctive, attractive orange blotches with age (and if anything, these orange areas actually intensify as the fish mature), making this a particular favourite with L-number aficionados. Like all other members of the Leporacanthicus genus, these fish have a small backward-facing blunt ‘horn’ on top of their heads, and unique upper jaw dentition consisting of two fang-like teeth (the latter being the reason behind the ‘vampire plec’ collective nametag for the Leporacanthicus genus). It is thought that this specialised dentition aids the catfish in gripping various invertebrate prey items.
