🐟 Golden Vampire Pleco — (Leporacanthicus heterodon)

The Golden Vampire Pleco is a striking, carnivorous pleco prized for its golden/yellow highlights, strong jaw and fang-like teeth used for eating meaty foods. Native to Brazilian rivers (notably the Xingu), it’s a showy, moderately large pleco that’s popular with collectors who want a bold, meat-eating Loricariid.

⚠️ Identification / L-number note
Some sellers list this fish as L172 or L172a — this is incorrect. L172 (the “Quoll Pleco”) is an Ancistrini sp. (L172). Don’t rely solely on mismatched L-numbers when buying; use morphology (fangs, body shape, fin & color traits) and supplier reputation to confirm Leporacanthicus heterodon.

🌊 Tank setup

• 🏠 Tank: 55–75+ gallons (single adult), larger for multiple fish
• 🪵 Driftwood, caves and rock caves for hiding and territories
• 💧 Strong filtration, good oxygenation and regular water changes
• 🌊 Moderate current — mimic riverine conditions

🍽️ Diet

• 🍤 Primarily carnivorous — shrimp, mussels, bloodworms, quality sinking carnivore pellets
• 🥦 Will accept occasional vegetable matter but thrives on protein

⚖️ Temperament

• 🛡️ Semi-aggressive / territorial (especially to other bottom dwellers)
• 🤝 Best with robust, similarly sized tankmates; avoid very small fish

🧠 Behavior & care

• 🌙 Mostly nocturnal / crepuscular — more active at dusk and night
• 🧼 Needs pristine water and stable parameters
• 🔒 Provide plenty of caves to reduce aggression and allow natural behavior

📋 At a glance

💡 Highly sought after for color and feeding behavior — confirm ID before purchase (see the L-number note above), and plan for a protein-rich diet and strong filtration.