L114, Leopard Cactus Pleco

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Branco River basin (tributary of the Rio Negro) between southern Brazil and Guyana. Rheophile of the rapids: lives in crystal clear and extremely turbulent rivers, hiding among stacked granitic rock formations.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Leopard Cactus Pleco (L114 / Pseudacanthicus leopardus). The genus name "Pseudacanthicus" refers to the heavy and enormous odontodes (spines) on most of the body and pectoral fins ("Cactus pleco"). Massive and armored.

Social Behavior: Extremely territorial and aggressive. Will furiously guard its den expelling any bottom intruder. Highly discouraged to keep more than one specimen per tank, unless you have public-sized aquariums (> 1000L / 250 gallons).

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Brownish-golden background covered by large circular black spots (leopard-like). Spectacular vivid red-orange color on the lobes of the caudal and dorsal fins. Males develop a wider snout and a riot of spines on their flanks.

Aquarium Setup: Cyclopean dimensions (150-200 cm / 60-80 inches tank). Installation of strong circulation pumps and a "river manifold" is mandatory. Insert massive, immovable ceramic tubular dens. No plants, given the fury of the darts and the size.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivore (predator/scavenger). Vigorous chewer: cracks snails and crustaceans. Offer abundant shrimp meat, mussel, earthworms, krill, and high-protein sinking tablets. Ignores algae wafers.

Water Quality: Warm (25-29°C / 77-84°F), purest, and artificially oxygenated to saturation. The very high carnivorous metabolism produces a lot of organic load; a mammoth biological filtration and titanic weekly water changes are necessary.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Excellent bottom cleaner for "Monster" tanks: coexists easily with Arowanas, large river Rays (Potamotrygon), Oscars, or large Datnioides. Dangerous (can kill them) with Loricariids of similar size and competing nature.

Aquarium Reproduction: Difficult and exclusive prerogative of experts. Occurs in sealed PVC caves. The male violently blocks the female inside for days. The larvae consume gigantic yolk sacs for almost two weeks.

Risks and Diseases: Apart from the risk of lethal physical clashes in undersized tanks, Pseudacanthicus tolerate bacterial alterations of the bottom (accumulation of waste) very poorly, which cause fatal hemorrhagic septicemia.