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Threespot pleco (Leporacanthicus triactis) — Loricariidae

Threespot pleco

Leporacanthicus triactis
Family: Loricariidae

The Threespot pleco (Leporacanthicus triactis) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
24.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Threespot pleco is an armoured catfish (Loricariidae) from fresh water of the Orinoco basin in South America. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a flattened, bony-plated, dark body with pale spots and an inferior sucker mouth with strong teeth with which it clings to wood and stones. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it rasps algae, wood and growth and snaps at molluscs and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Threespot pleco?

The Threespot pleco has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Threespot pleco live?

The Threespot pleco lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Threespot pleco get?

The Threespot pleco grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Threespot pleco dangerous to humans?

No, the Threespot pleco is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Drievlek-harnasmeerval sourced
English name
Threespot pleco sourced
Scientific name
Leporacanthicus triactis
Family
Loricariidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
24.7 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Leporacanthicus

More from the family Loricariidae

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