Leporacanthicus cf. (Vampire Pleco) info?

aunt kymmie

Does anybody here keep a Vampire Pleco? My LFS tells me the adult size will be 6", googling info tells me 8 to 10". I'm trying to find out true adult size. My LFS just got in a batch and they are really adorable looking plecos. Of course, anything at 2 inches looks cute, until it turns out to be a monster.

Angel079

Oh wow they are indeed cute! The source I always use for info (and have found very reliable) said 4-6" as well. You will find these contradicting info a lot times simply because some places list them as what they would grow to be in the wild and others list what they'll grow to be in a tank set up - Which at times/ certain fish can differ by 2-3".

aunt kymmie

Well, 4" to 6"? That's very doable. Looks like I'll be taking a drive down to the LFS within the week. I've got a hospital tank that's going to be empty in a day or so the timing is perfect.
Thanks for the info, Natalie.

Angel079

Sounds good...will wait here for some pictures

aunt kymmie

You got it! The little buggers are sooooo cute!

iamntbatman

So Let The Right One In left that much of an impression, huh?

Both PlanetCatfish and Scotcat report a 10" max size.

http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog...species_id=138

http://scotcat.com/factsheets/lepora..._galaxias.html

aunt kymmie

Well, you know I saw that movie just the night before I saw the Vampire Pleco so I thought it was surely a "sign", lol. Ten inches is more than I'd want as far as a pleco goes. Do you think those sites are truly reliable? My LFS guy has never steered me wrong yet, but then neither have you. My LFS guy says 6 inches top.

iamntbatman

Those two sites seem to be some of the most reputable catfish sites around. They've never steered me wrong before, plus they do cite sources. That said, I've never kept the fish myself so I don't have any firsthand data for you.

Bhack91

I hope I made it in time, my LFS had one in this week and I almost got him. When I asked I could not keep it, they grow large 10-12inches. When I asked he reffered to one they had in a display tank which I remembered. So I can confirm they get 10 inches plus, sorry I have been trying to find a cool small pleco for my 55g myself. I have been considering rubberlip and clown plecos which are both pretty cool when I checked them out some more. I must say that vampire plecos look amazing full grown though :P

aunt kymmie

You made it in time! Tomorrow is when I'm taking a trip to the LFS. Too bad on the 10". 10" is 4" more than I wanted. Next time, next tank. They are awesome looking fish.