All fish / Loricariidae

Spiny Monster Pleco

Pseudacanthicus spinosus

Also known as l160, spiny pleco, cactus pleco, spinosus pleco, monster pleco, spiny monster plec, プセウドアカンシクス・スピノサス, 刺异甲鲇

A large, heavily armoured loricariid whose body is covered in rough, spiny plates (odontodes), with a dark brown to black base colour and often small spots, plus long filaments on the tail. Keepers prize it as an impressive, rugged-looking showpiece catfish for big, well-oxygenated tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

30 cm

Temperature

25 to 30 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

400 litres

Keep as

Keep singly or in a very large tank with plenty of caves

Diet

Carnivore: sinking pellets, mussel, prawn, fish fillet, bloodworm and some vegetable matter

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: lower Amazon basin, notably the Rio Tocantins and nearby tributaries

Breeding

It spawns in caves and the male guards the eggs, like other cave-spawning plecos. Breeding in home aquariums is rare because of its size and the space needed.

Good to know

Adults are territorial and may fight other bottom dwellers, so offer several caves and avoid keeping it with other large plecos. Trade identification is often confused with other Pseudacanthicus L-numbers, so the exact identity of fish sold under this name can vary.