Search Dictionary
Definition of leopard pleco

leopard pleco

Plural:leopard plecos
JUMP TO:

• noun

1

A large, heavily armored freshwater catfish native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America, characterized by prominent sail-like dorsal fins and a striking pattern of dark spots resembling a leopard.

Example

"The novice aquarist was surprised when their tiny leopard pleco grew to be over a foot long, requiring a massive tank upgrade."

Photo by Soulkeeper / CC BY 2.5
Synonyms
View all synonyms for leopard pleco

Word Nuance & Usage

In the aquarium trade, 'leopard pleco' typically refers to the sailfin pleco (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps), though it is sometimes casually applied to other similarly spotted L-number catfish.

• Nearby Words

leopard gecko
leopard lily
leopard lizard
leopard pleco
leopard seal
leopard shark
leopard snake

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Leopard pleco. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/leopard-pleco
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.