Redfin Cactus Pleco (L024)

Pseudacanthicus pitanga

The Redfin Cactus Pleco (L024 or *Pseudacanthicus pitanga*) is one of the most aggressive and impressive giant Loricariids in existence. The name "Cactus" derives from its armor literally covered with huge sharp spines all over its body, while "Redfin" refers to the stunning fiery orange and red that ignites its large fins. Reaching 40 cm (16 inches) in length, it is a powerful carnivorous predator that requires monstrous aquariums, extreme filtration, and tankmates capable of withstanding its fierce nature. It is absolutely not a fish for beginners.

Family: Loricariidae
Origin: Sud America (Rio Tocantins, Brasile)
Tank use: Used in 0 tanks

Temperature

25 °C - 29 °C

6 - 7.5

Water type

Freshwater

Tank level

Zona inferiore (fondo).

Adult size

40 cm

Description

Geographical Origin:

Rio Tocantins, Brazil. It lives in deep, turbulent waters.

Social Behavior:

It is the pinnacle of benthic ferocity. It will literally kill and tear to pieces any other pleco or catfish that dares to enter its visual territory. Tankmates must be free-water giants, such as Arowanas or massive Cichlids.

Care and observations

Tank Setup:

A 2-meter (6-foot) long aquarium is the basic requirement. The setup must be bare or composed of heavy immovable boulders. This spiny colossus will move any unglued decor. Provide huge thick PVC pipes to act as an impregnable den.

Diet:

Forget vegetables or scraping. It is a lethal carnivorous scavenger. Feed it with whole tilapia fillets, thawed prawns, and large earthworms. Handle with extreme caution: its spines (odontodes) are actual sharp blades that get tangled in nets; always use rigid plastic containers to move it.

Water Quality:

The decomposition of fish-based meals requires giant sumps. Massive weekly water changes are mandatory.

Fish profile

Temperament: Estremamente aggressivo e territoriale, specialmente verso altri plecostomus e pesci di fondo. Un killer spietato se il suo territorio viene invaso.
Diet: Carnivoro puro. Non è un mangiatore di alghe. Ignora il legno e le verdure. Nutrire con pesci interi, gamberetti, cozze, lombrichi e pellet carnivori giganti.
Tank level: Zona inferiore (fondo).
Minimum group: 1
Adult size: 40 cm
Minimum tank: 500 L
GH: 2 dGH - 15 dGH
KH: n/a
TDS: n/a
Conductivity: n/a
Sex ratio: I maschi sono incredibilmente violenti tra loro. Mantenere strettamente come esemplare singolo a meno che la vasca non sia di diverse migliaia di litri.
Feeding frequency: Ogni sera prima di spegnere le luci.
Bioload: Altissimo (produce scarti altamente inquinanti derivanti da carne)
Flow: Corrente Molto Forte
Reproduction: Rarissima in cattività, possibile solo in vasche da allevamento giganti con grotte colossali. Il maschio sorveglia le uova ma le lotte pre-riproduttive sono spesso letali.
Compatibility: Da tenere solo con "Monster Fish" di superficie o mezza altezza (grandi Ciclidi predatori, razze d'acqua dolce grandi, Arowana, grandi caracidi).

Image gallery

Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.