All fish / Loricariidae

Pirarara Cactus Pleco

Pseudacanthicus pirarara

Also known as l273, l-273, titanic pleco, titanic cactus pleco, pirarara pleco, red tail cactus pleco, L273

This is a large, heavily armoured catfish with a dark body covered in spiny scutes and red-edged fins, including a long red or orange tail filament. Its striking colours, rarity and impressive size make it popular with specialist pleco keepers.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

30 cm

Temperature

26 to 31 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

500 litres

Keep as

Keep singly unless the tank is very large

Diet

Carnivore: sinking pellets, mussel, prawn, fish fillet and frozen bloodworm

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

15 to 20 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: lower Xingu River basin

Breeding

Males guard eggs in caves, as in other Pseudacanthicus species. Captive spawning is very rare and seldom documented.

Good to know

Adults grow large and can be territorial towards other bottom dwellers, so they need a big tank with strong flow and plenty of oxygen. Brazil restricts exports of many Xingu loricariids, so check that your fish was obtained legally.