Care
The Sultan Plec is known from the Rio Tapajas basin, Brazil. Here, this beautiful suckermouth catfish inhabits rapid sections of rivers where water is forced at speed through boulders and is saturated with oxygen. This species grows to a moderate size and will require a spacious, mature aquarium with soft, acidic water. Provide a dark substrate and plenty of shady retreats amongst bogwood and sturdy rocky caves, ensuring all decor is secure as larger specimens can be a little clumsy at times. The water should be well-filtered, and a decent current should be provided by extra powerheads in order to simulate the highly-oxygenated waters that these fish originate from; they will not fare well in calmer waters. Ensure regular partial water changes are carried out to help keep nitrogenous wastes to a minimum. This species is generally peaceful, although it can be rather territorial with its own kind and similar species. More than one specimen may be kept in the same tank if it is spacious and multiple hiding places/visual barriers are provided. The Sultan Plec mixes well with medium sized characins, some of the more robust Corydoras catfish species, and many rheophilic cichlids. Like all other members of the Leporacanthicus genus, these fish have a small backward-facing blunt 'horn' on top of their heads, and unique upper jaw dentition consisting of two fang-like teeth (the latter being the reason behind the 'vampire plec' collective nametag for the Leporacanthicus genus). It is thought that this specialised dentition aids the catfish in gripping various invertebrate prey items.
Feeding
An omnivorous species. Offer a variety of foodstuffs including sinking catfish pellets/tablets/algae wafers and frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, Spirulina-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, chopped krill etc, as well as a good proportion of vegetable matter such as blanched spinach, kale, courgette, cucumber etc.
Breeding
The Sultan Plec has been bred in the home aquarium, but this is not a frequent occurrence and this species would make an excellent breeding project for the dedicated hobbyist. These fish are cave spawners and will require a choice of several caves that are just slightly longer than the fish, but not excessively wide (clay drainage pipes blocked off at one end with slate can work well). Well-conditioned fish are said to have been triggered into spawning by carrying out a 30% water change with slightly cooler water. After the eggs have been deposited in the cave, the male encourages the female to leave, and takes on parental care of the eggs, fanning them with his pectoral fins.
