Encyclopaedia

FishFreshwaterAdvanced

Three Beacon Pleco (L091)

Leporacanthicus triactis

The striking L091 'Three Beacon', so called for the bright orange spots on the dorsal, caudal, and adipose fins that contrast with the brown-black body.

Taxonomy

Class:Actinopteri

Order:Siluriformes

Family:Loricariidae

Subfamily:Hypostominae

Genus:Leporacanthicus

Species:Leporacanthicus triactis

Check out Three Beacon Pleco (L091) on Atlarium

PracticeRecognition quizzesPhotos, names, origins, and puzzles to review Atlas species.Open quizzes

Water Temperature

25 - 29 °C

pH Value

6 - 7.4

Water type

Freshwater

Tank level

Bottom

Adult size

25 cm

Minimum tank volume

>= 300 L

Minimum group

>= 1

2 - 12 dGH

2 - 10 dKH

TDS

50 - 280 ppm

Conductivity

78 - 438 uS/cm

Species description

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Originating from the Orinoco River basin (Venezuela). Lives in the high-flow sections and rapids of the river, hiding among polished granite boulders or in the thick of logs wedged under the powerful water jet.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Three-beacon Pleco (L091 / Leporacanthicus triactis). Known for the three conspicuous colored "beacons" on its fins. Possesses the typical elongated snout and massive needle-like maxillary teeth of the "Vampire Plecos", useful for feeding on invertebrates.

Social Behavior: Strongly territorial nocturnal fish. Will not hesitate to aggressively defend its main den against other loricariids or bottom-dwelling fish. Tends to be more visible if reassured by numerous dark hiding places.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Chocolate brown to charcoal black body. The distinguishing feature is the three intense yellow or bright orange spots (beacons), located on the tip of the dorsal fin and on the lobes of the caudal fin. Males with a more angular head and large odontodes.

Care, breeding and tankmates

Aquarium Setup: Demands huge tanks (at least 120-150 cm / 48-60 inches). Fundamental to recreate a rheophilic river: powerful water currents, oversized filtration, large ceramic tubes for dens, and round boulders. No sharp gravel that would injure its soft belly.

Diet and Feeding: Predominantly carnivorous. In nature, it extracts snails and invertebrates. In the aquarium, feed it after lights out with whole clams, shelled shrimp, protein pellets for bottom fish, and occasional pieces of vegetables.

Water Quality: Very oxygenated, warm (25-29°C / 77-84°F), and pristine water. Fish of the genus Leporacanthicus are exceptionally intolerant to accumulations of nitrogenous waste (nitrates); massive and frequent water changes are mandatory.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Ideal for tanks with robust mid-water Cichlids (Severum, Geophagus, Uaru) or large South American characins. Avoid coexistence with small bottom fish that could be injured during nocturnal territorial disputes.

Aquarium Breeding: Occurs in captivity in large caves. The male traps the female, fertilizes the huge yellow eggs, and cares for them by fanning them for weeks until the fry's yolk sac is absorbed.

Risks and Diseases: Lack of oxygen or insufficient filtration will quickly lead to asphyxia or severe fungal infections on the fins. It has a tendency to fatally wedge itself in rocks with holes that are too narrow.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Originating from the Orinoco River basin (Venezuela). Lives in the high-flow sections and rapids of the river, hiding among polished granite boulders or in the thick of logs wedged under the powerful water jet.

Origin

Amazon, Orinoco, and Guianas

Fish profile

Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Carnivore
Sex ratio: Flexible
Feeding frequency: Twice daily
Bioload: Leporacanthicus triactis generates a high bioload. This is due to its size and diet. Strong filtration is required.
Flow: Stagnant
Reproduction: Oviparous
Compatibility & tankmates: It is peaceful with top-dwelling fish. It can be aggressive to other bottom dwellers. Keep it as the only pleco.
Tank level: Bottom

FishBase

Window to the official scientific data of the species

Data synced on: 06/15/2026

Scientific Parameters & Models

Resilience: Medium (1.4 - 4.4 years)
Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50): 0.5625
Bayesian Length-Weight: a = 0.01549, b = 2.96

Image gallery

Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.

Related species

Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.

Variants and close relatives

Same atlas type, nearby scientific identity, genus, or family.

Golden Vampire Pleco

Leporacanthicus heterodon

Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Origin

Fish profile

Scientific Parameters & Models

Image gallery

Related species

Variants and close relatives

Golden Vampire Pleco

Sultan Pleco (L264)

Vampire Pleco (L029)

Meandrinus Pleco

Medusa Pleco (L034)

Guahibo Pleco

Leopard Frog Pleco (L134)

Lyretail Pleco

Ghost Pleco (L141/L215)

Orange-fin Xingu Pleco (L012/L013)

Para Pleco (L075)

Gold Marble Bristlenose (LDA08)

Tentacle Lasiancistrus

Snowball Pleco (L026)

Snowball Pleco (L142/LDA033)

Bristlemouth Pleco

Recommended companions

Ammannia sp. 'Bonsai'

Bacopa sp. "Japan"

Bolbitis heteroclita

Alternanthera reineckii "rosaefolia minor"

Ammannia mauritiana

Arrowhead Anubias

Bucephalandra motleyana "Braun-rot" ("Serimbu")

Bucephalandra motleyana "Kapit"

Bucephalandra motleyana "Pancuraji"

Bucephalandra sp. "Bukit Kelam / Sintang"

Bucephalandra sp. "Melawi"

Bucephalandra motleyana "Braun-rot narrow"

Bucephalandra motleyana "Riam Macam"

Bucephalandra sp. "Black Leaf"

Bucephalandra pygmaea "Bukit Kelam / Sintang"

Bucephalandra pygmaea "Kapit"

Similar care

Marble Whiptail

Hi-Fin Green Phantom Pleco (L200)

Big Spot Pleco (L075)

Green Phantom Pleco

Tapajós Royal Pleco (L027)

Lamontichthys

Magdalena Sand Whiptail

White Seam Bristlenose (L059)

Contradens Pleco

Red Lizard Catfish (L010a)

King Tiger Pleco (L066)

Mango Pleco

Giant-eye Otocinclus

Candy Stripe Pleco (L015)

Orinoco Twig Catfish

Queen Arabesque Pleco (L260)