All fish / Loricariidae

Red Fin Cactus Pleco

Pseudacanthicus leopardus

Also known as l114, leopard cactus pleco, red fin cactus pleco, leopard pleco, red-finned cactus pleco, l-114, レオパードカクタスプレコ, 豹纹仙人掌异型, L114

A spiny-bodied suckermouth catfish with a sandy brown body covered in black spots and bright red edges on the dorsal and tail fins. Keepers prize it for its striking colours and rugged look, and it is one of the more sought-after L-number plecos.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

25 cm

Temperature

25 to 30 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

Singly, or several in a very large tank with plenty of caves

Diet

Carnivore: sinking pellets, prawn, mussel, bloodworm and other meaty foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Rio Branco and Rupununi basins, Brazil and Guyana

Breeding

A cave spawner in which the male guards the eggs and fry inside a tunnel-shaped cave. Captive breeding has been achieved but remains uncommon and needs large, well-oxygenated tanks with suitable caves.

Good to know

Males become territorial towards other bottom dwellers and the fish is a meat eater rather than an algae grazer, so it will not clean a tank. Its spines catch in nets, so handle it with a container.