L-006 Leopard Spotted Pleco

L-006 Leopard Pleco

The L-006 Leopard Spotted Pleco is a rare pleco and seldom found since the expansion of the hydroelectric power program in Brazil. Since the colors are a bit muted this pleco is not as popular as the gold nugget pleco which often inhabits the same areas

Native to the lower Amazon River basin in Brazil, the L-006 Leopard Pleco reaches a manageable maximum size of 5 inches. As a member of the popular Peckoltia genus, it possesses a sleek body profile and broad, patterned fins. Due to its modest adult length, low bioload, and non-aggressive behavior, a single specimen can be kept comfortably in a minimum aquarium size of 20 to 30 gallons, making it an excellent choice for community aquariums and planted setups.

The L-006 Leopard Pleco is a peaceful, nocturnal substrate dweller that thrives in well-maintained tropical aquariums with plenty of hardscape features. It spends much of the day tucked away inside stone caves or beneath driftwood, emerging in low lighting to forage along the substrate and decor.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This species is an Omnivore with Carnivorous Tendencies. Unlike plant-grazing plecos, its primary diet should include high-protein sinking foods such as high-quality carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia, balanced with sinking spirulina disks and fresh vegetable slices like zucchini or cucumber.
• Aquarium Setup: Provide soft to moderately hard water with good oxygenation and gentle-to-moderate current. Offer plenty of cover using driftwood, slate caves, and rock piles to create tight crevices where it can feel secure during the day.
• Reef / Plant Compatibility: It is Completely Plant Safe. The L-002 Leopard Pleco does not consume aquatic foliage or destroy aquascapes, making it a fantastic addition to heavily planted tanks.
• Temperament: It is Peaceful. It is completely indifferent toward midwater and surface fish. Males may exhibit mild territoriality toward other male Peckoltia or similar bottom-dwelling species over preferred caves, which is easily managed by providing multiple hideouts.
• Tankmates: Ideal tankmates include small to medium peaceful community species such as Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, Hatchetfish, Guppies, Angelfish, Discus, and Dwarf Cichlids. Avoid housing with overly aggressive or large predatory fish.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Peckoltia vermiculata
• Primary Common Name: L-006 Leopard Pleco
• Other Common Names: L006 Pleco, Brown Leopard Pleco, Wormline Pleco
• Origin: South America (Lower Amazon Basin, Brazil)
• Max Size: 5 inches
• Temperament: Peaceful (Mild territoriality over preferred caves)
• Diet: Omnivore (Requires high-protein sinking pellets, frozen foods, and greens)
• Minimum Tank Size: 20-30 Gallons
• Plant Compatibility: Completely Plant Safe
• Shipping Size: 3 inches