Description
Leopard Cactus Pleco (Pseudacanthicus leopardus) is a member of the Loricariidae family of South American suckermouth catfishes. It is also known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Redtail Leopard Plecostomus or Cactus Pleco. It is a larger and very colourful pleco reaching approximately 35cm.
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Features of Leopard Cactus Pleco:
- A brown to yellowish brown body and covered with dark brown to black spots
- Bold orange coloration of its dorsal fin and tail
- This a shy species that prefers dimly lit conditions and requires pristine water quality
- Grows up to 35cm
The Best Aquarium Size for Leopard Cactus Pleco:
Leopard Cactus Pleco can do well in a tank of 200L or larger. However, it depends on the size of your pleco. Also, if you want to set up a community tank, you have to increase the tank size.
Suitable aquariums to consider include:
Browse our entire Aquarium Tank Selection here.
Tank Mate Compatibility:
They are generally a peaceful species, but become territorial from an early age and should be given plenty of caves to choose as their own. Avoid keeping with other similar bottom dwelling species.
Some tank mates include:
- Red Shoulder Severum
- Sliver Dollar
- Large Cichlids
Diet:
The Leopard Cactus Pleco is primarily carnivore. Feed them a high quality flake, and sinking pellets and supplement with live or frozen high protein foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and insect larvae, prawns, and chopped mollusks.
Vegetables such as zucchini can be fed every now and then for a balanced diet.
Check out our extensive range of aquarium fish foods.
Pleco Tank Setup:
Aquarium Filtration
Water quality is vital. This fish produces a large amount of waste, so an excellent filter and water flow is essential. Cannister filters are a great option for medium to large aquariums. Ensure your filter has an adequate flow rate for your aquarium size.
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Aquarium Heater
This pleco enjoys temperatures between 22 - 28° C. To manage stable water temperatures, we recommend installing a reliable aquarium heater and always monitor with an additional thermometer.
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Aquarium Plants
There are no strict cultivars that these fish prefer. So, get creative and add a variety of plants that fit this environment. Floating plants or large-leaved plants like java fern are all good choices for your pleco tank. Pleco's enjoy shaded areas and places to hide, this makes them feel safe. Keep in mind they are a large fish that may rearrange the tank.
Interested in live plants for your aquariums? Browse live plants here.
Aquarium Decorations
These cave-dwellers will appreciate a replication of their natural habitat, and that means you have the option of adding rock structures, pleco caves, and driftwood. Creating caves enables your fish to feel safe and claim territory.
After more nice quality decorations? Check our Aquarium Driftwood Ornaments.
Aquarium Lighting
These fish enjoy lower light levels with lots of shade and dark spaces to hide. If keeping live plants, they will need sufficient light to grow.
Standard aquarium lighting is appropriate. Shop aquarium lighting here.
Aquarium Substrate
Aquarium sand is ideal for plecos as they are bottom dwellers and will forage through substrate for food. If you prefer to use gravel, use a smooth and rounded gravel to protect their bodies.
A variety of Substrates are available at Coburg Aquarium.
