🔥 Scarlet Cactus Pleco (Pseudacanthicus pirarara, L025)
🔥 Scarlet Cactus Pleco (Pseudacanthicus pirarara, L025)
Scarlet Fins • Giant Size • Rare Pleco
📋 The Scarlet Cactus Pleco (Pseudacanthicus pirarara) is a massive and striking pleco known for its intense scarlet-red fins and dark, spotted body. Unlike the Redfin Cactus Pleco (L024), it lacks white eyes, and grows significantly larger, reaching up to 45 cm (18 inches).
Hailing from Brazil’s Rio Xingu, Rio Iriri, and Rio Bacajá, this pleco is one of the most sought-after collector’s species due to its bold colors, size, and rarity.
💡 Highlights
🔥 Scarlet Fins – Brilliant red coloration
⚫ Dark Spotted Body – Contrasts with fins
📏 Massive Size – Up to 45 cm
💎 Collector’s Pleco – Rare and expensive
🌊 Strong River Origin – Needs high oxygen
🧾 A Quick Look at the Scarlet Cactus Pleco (L025)
📛 Common Name: Scarlet Cactus Pleco
🔬 Scientific Name: Pseudacanthicus pirarara (L025)
👨👩👧 Family: Loricariidae
🌍 Origin: Brazil – Rio Xingu, Rio Iriri & Rio Bacajá
📏 Max Size: 40 – 45 cm (16 – 18 inches)
💧 pH Range: 6.0 – 7.5
🌡️ Temperature Range: 25 – 29°C (77 – 84°F)
🧠 Care Level: Advanced
💖 Temperament: Semi-aggressive, territorial
🏠 Min Tank Size: 500 L (130+ US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Bottom dweller
🧬 Captive Bred: ❌ No
🌿 Wild Caught: ✅ Yes
⏳ Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore – meaty foods, sinking pellets, occasional vegetables
🐣 Reproduction: Rare in aquariums
