All fish / Loricariidae

Pitanga Pleco

Pseudacanthicus pitanga

Also known as l024, l-024, l24, red fin cactus pleco, red-fin cactus pleco, pitanga cactus pleco, red fin pseudacanthicus, l 24, L024, レッドフィンカクタスプレコ, L24 红尾大帆异型

A large, spiny armoured catfish with a dark brown to black body covered in small spots and striking red or orange edges to the fins and tail. It was described in 2016 after being traded for years as L024, and keepers prize it for its bold colours and impressive size.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

30 cm

Temperature

26 to 30 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

400 litres

Keep as

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

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

15 to 20 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: Rio Tocantins basin

Breeding

A cave spawner in which the male guards the eggs and young inside a tight cave. Captive breeding is rare and generally needs a very large tank, strong current and warm, well oxygenated water.

Good to know

Grows large and becomes territorial with other bottom dwellers, especially other plecos, so it needs a big tank and several caves. Its strong spines easily snag nets, and it needs powerful filtration because of its heavy, meaty diet.