Leporacanthicus sp. L241 from the Orinoco system in Colombia and Venezuela is one of several forms from the Leporacanthicus galaxias complex. These black with white spots forms differ very little in their superficial looks, but have different anatomical features. L241 seems to be less common in the hobby than the form known as L240. L241 is a large growing (30 cm) meat eater, suited for bigger aquariums with good filtration. It’s a rather robust and easy to care for L-number.
Name: Leporacanthicus cf. galaxias
Trade names: Orinoco Galaxy Pleco, L241
Origin: Rio Orinoco, Colombia/Venezuela.
Maximum size: 30 cm / 12”
Leporacanthicus species must be kept in well filtered and clean aquariums with lots of hiding places. They are peaceful towards most other fish, but the males can be territorial and aggressive towards each other. They are meat eaters and should be fed a protein rich diet consisting of crustaceans, shrimps, mussels and fish meat. Their teeth are shaped to pull crustaceans from their shells. Good quality dried foods should also be offered. Males have a broader head with a rim of short odontodes.
L241 is exported and collected together with the very similar form L240. It can be hard to tell these forms apart, but L241 has a lower, more compact bodyshape, a longer head and a lower dorasal fin compared to L240. It’s likely they belong to the same species, but are adapted to slightly different niches in the river system. They are exported together from Colombia.
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