L025 Scarlet Cactus pleco

The Scarlet Cactus pleco (L025) was described as Pseudacanthicus pirarara by Chamon and Sousa. It is found only in the Xingu basin in Brazil, in swift, rocky water. It is grey-brown with dark blotches forming continuous bands, red to orange fins and rows of spines.

Two relatives, P. pitanga and P. leopardus, can also have orange fins but lack the banded pattern. It reaches at least 23 cm standard length.

It's carnivorous, solitary and territorial, probably most active at night, and aggressive towards similar fish. It has been bred in captivity. In a New England winter a tank in a cool room needs a reliable heater to hold that range.

Part of our Fancy bristlenose plecos. Also: L134 Leopard Frog pleco · L397 Alenquer Tiger pleco · L128 Blue Phantom pleco · L114 Leopard Cactus pleco · L018 Gold Nugget pleco · L144 blue-eye bristlenose · Super red bristlenose · Longfin bristlenose · Albino bristlenose.

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