Pseudacanthicus spinosus (L096-Spotted Cactus Pleco) 3″

Pseudacanthicus spinosus (L096), commonly known as the Spotted Cactus Pleco, is a striking species from the Loricariidae family. Native to the Rio Tocantins in Brazil, this pleco species is notable for its thorny, armored body and distinctive pattern of spots, making it a popular but somewhat aggressive addition to larger aquariums. Its common name, “Cactus Pleco,” refers to the spiny appearance that resembles cactus spines.

• Size: Pseudacanthicus spinosus can reach an adult size of 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) in captivity.
• Coloration: The base body color is dark brown to black, covered in white or light-colored spots distributed evenly across the body and fins.
• Body Shape: This pleco has a robust, elongated body covered in sharp odontodes (tooth-like structures) that give it a spiny or “cactus” appearance, especially around the head and along the lateral line.
• Fins: Large, spiny pectoral and dorsal fins add to its armored look. Its tail is broad and strong.

• Temperament: The Spotted Cactus Pleco is known for being more territorial and aggressive compared to many other plecos, particularly toward other bottom-dwellers and plecos. It’s best to house them either alone or with species that occupy other areas of the tank. They may claim a specific cave or area as their territory.
• Activity: Pseudacanthicus spinosus is more nocturnal but can show activity during the day in established, dimly lit environments.

• Tank Size: Given their large size and territorial behavior, a minimum tank size of 100 gallons is recommended, especially if housing more than one or with other tank mates.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
  • pH: 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
• Substrate: A smooth, sandy substrate or soft gravel is preferred.
• Décor: Provide plenty of hiding places with rocks, caves, and driftwood. They will stake out a territory and aggressively defend it. Caves are especially important, as they are often chosen as a primary shelter.
• Filtration and Water Flow: As with most plecos, a strong filtration system is essential to handle the waste they produce. Pseudacanthicus spinosus also enjoys moderate to strong water flow, mimicking their natural river habitats.

The Spotted Cactus Pleco is omnivorous but leans more toward a carnivorous diet compared to many other pleco species.

• Meaty Foods: Their diet should include protein-rich foods such as frozen or live bloodworms, shrimp, mussels, and sinking carnivore pellets.
• Pellets/Wafers: High-quality sinking pellets formulated for carnivorous plecos.
• Vegetables: They will occasionally eat blanched vegetables like zucchini or cucumber, but meaty foods should be the focus of their diet.
• Driftwood: While not necessary for their diet like wood-eating plecos (e.g., Panaque species), having driftwood in the tank provides additional surfaces for algae growth and hiding spots.

Breeding Pseudacanthicus spinosus in captivity is very rare. Like other members of the Pseudacanthicus genus, they are cave spawners, but creating the exact conditions to induce spawning—such as the right water flow, cave size, and water parameters—is difficult. If they do spawn, the male typically guards the eggs.

• Aggression: Pseudacanthicus spinosus can be highly territorial, particularly with other plecos or bottom-dwellers. It is important to provide enough space and hiding places for each individual, especially in a community setting.
• Tankmates: Due to their territorial nature, it’s advisable to avoid keeping them with other plecos unless the tank is exceptionally large. They can coexist with larger, peaceful fish that occupy different regions of the tank.
• Water Quality: This species produces a significant amount of waste, so maintaining excellent water quality with regular water changes and powerful filtration is critical.

Pseudacanthicus spinosus is a great choice for experienced aquarists looking for a visually impressive and unique pleco, though their territorial nature and dietary needs mean they require careful tank management.