Peckoltia compta L-134

A Little More Information...

Peckoltia compta L-134, also known as Leopard Frog - Yellow, is a small armored catfish from Brazil. Its golden-yellow body marked with dark bands and spots gives it a distinctive appearance, especially in an aquarium decorated with rocks and wood. This bottom-dwelling species spends much of its time grazing surfaces and exploring shelters. It is generally peaceful, but benefits from a structured layout and well-oxygenated water. This L-134 form is collected from the wild and remains relatively sought after, making it less common than several widely available plecos bred in captivity.

General species description

Peckoltia compta L-134 is a medium-sized loricariid valued for its contrasting pattern and discreet behavior. It mainly occupies the bottom, attaching itself to rocks, roots and biofilm-covered surfaces with its sucker mouth. Despite its robust appearance, it is usually calm with similarly sized tank mates. It becomes more active at dusk and during the night. In a mature aquarium, it benefits from effective filtration, stable water and plenty of hiding places. Its rarity is intermediate: it is less common than standard Ancistrus, but remains popular with loricariid keepers.

Geographic origin and biotope

This species comes from Brazil, in the basin of the Rio Tapajós in eastern Amazonia. It is associated with areas containing rocks, sand, gravel, submerged branches and natural shelters. The Tapajós is known for relatively clear water and forested banks. Current flow may be moderate to strong over rocky areas, while becoming slower near banks and obstacles. In an aquarium, clean, well-oxygenated water and a structured layout with narrow refuges are especially suitable for this fish.

Precise locality and local name

The L-134 form is associated with the Rio Tapajós in Pará State, Brazil. In the aquarium trade, it is mainly identified by the code L-134, rather than by a standardized Brazilian vernacular name. Leopard Frog - Yellow is primarily an English commercial name describing its pattern. Yellow leopard pleco and yellow leopard frog pleco may also appear in hobbyist use, but L-134 remains the most practical reference for distinguishing this form.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body is stocky and ventrally flattened, with the bony plates typical of Loricariidae. The base color ranges from creamy yellow to yellowish brown, with dark markings forming a leopard frog pattern. The head is broad, while the ventral mouth is adapted for grazing; the fins often show bands or contrasting areas. Odontodes may become more visible in adult males, especially on the cheeks and caudal peduncle. Maximum adult size is approximately 12 cm, depending on rearing conditions.

General diet

Peckoltia compta L-134 is an omnivore with a detritivorous tendency, grazing surfaces for algae, biofilm and small organisms. Its diet should include quality sinking tablets, vegetable foods such as zucchini or cucumber, and occasional protein-rich foods. Young fish benefit from regular small meals. Natural aquarium algae alone should not be considered sufficient: a planned diet helps maintain body condition. Food is best offered after the lights dim, when this species naturally becomes more active.

Essential data

• River of origin: Rio Tapajós
• Local name used: L-134; yellow leopard pleco in the aquarium trade
• Origin of the scientific name: Peckoltia honors the naturalist and pharmacist Gustav Peckolt; compta comes from Latin and means ornamented or elegant
• Etymology of the full name: Peckoltia refers to the genus dedicated to Peckolt; compta describes the species’ ornate appearance
• Common/vernacular names: Leopard Frog - Yellow; yellow leopard pleco; L-134
• Family: Loricariidae
• Subfamily: Hypostominae
• Name pronunciation: peck-OL-tee-ah COMP-tah
• Discovery: Michael J. Oliver, 1993
• Maximum adult size: about 12 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 26 to 30 °C; pH 6.0 to 7.5
• Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: clear to moderately tinted water, rocks, sand, submerged wood and Amazonian riparian forest
• Typical tank mates: small Amazonian characins, peaceful dwarf cichlids, Corydoras and compatible small loricariids
• Temperament and behavior: peaceful and discreet, mainly crepuscular and nocturnal; territorial toward conspecifics around small shelters
• Water depth: shallow to moderately deep areas near rocks and shelters
• Sexual dimorphism: adult males generally have a broader head and more developed odontodes on the cheeks and body
• Bottom structure and flow: rocky, sandy or gravelly substrate with wood and cavities; moderate to strong flow depending on the area

In your aquarium

To keep Peckoltia compta L-134 successfully, provide a mature aquarium with strong filtration, good oxygenation and several cave-like shelters. A smooth substrate protects the mouth and barbels. Keep the temperature stable, prevent waste accumulation and offer varied foods after the lights go out. Water stability matters more than chasing extreme values. Because this is a wild fish, gradual acclimation and careful observation during the first weeks are especially important.