Fishician®Diet
Carnivore – sinking meaty foods, frozen shrimp, mussels, crab; high protein needs
Aquarium species profile
L025 Scarlet Cactus Pleco
Pseudacanthicus pirarara · South America (Brazil — Tocantins and Xingu rivers)
Minimum tank125 gal
Adult size14"
Care levelModerate
TemperamentSemi-Aggressive
Temperature79–86°F
pH range5.5–7.5
Compatible tank mates
Large robust fish, large cichlids; territorial with own species
Tank mates to avoid
Other large plecos (very territorial), small fish
Care notes
Stunning red-orange spots on dark body with red-tipped fins — one of the most spectacular large plecos. Spiny cactus-like texture. Primarily carnivorous (unlike most plecos) — needs meaty protein. Highly territorial toward other plecos. Grows large and needs a big tank. Cave-spawner. One of the prize plecos for large aquariums.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.