Scarlet Cactus Pleco (Pseudacanthicus pirarara)
| Scarlet Cactus Pleco Pseudacanthicus pirarara | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Scarlet Cactus Pleco |
| Name Lat. | Pseudacanthicus pirarara |
| Synonym | L25 |
| Family | Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Loricariidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Habitat | Tributaries, forest streams |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Nocturnal, territorial |
| Keeping | Individual, pair, group |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 8-12 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 40 cm |
| Temperature | 23-27 °C |
| Hardness | 2-20 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 500 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 16" |
| Temperature | 73-81 °F |
| Hardness | 36-356 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 130 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The Xingu cactus catfishes are found in the catchment areas of the Rio Xingu and the Rio Iriri in Para (Brazil). They live in slow-flowing jungle streams and rivers, where they often stay in deep, rocky places.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have robust planting, with hiding places such as rocks, roots and caves and provide adequate swimming space. A substrate of small round gravel, slightly dim light and a weak current is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium or nitrite should be detectable, and the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They feed on animal food. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food for loricariids (granules, pellets, chips, tablets) as well as zooplankton, mosquito larvae, shrimp, krill, snails, fish, crab and mussel meat (live or frozen).
Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are crepuscular and nocturnal and usually stay hidden during the day. Especially older animals can behave very territorial within the species, but also against other fish. Accordingly, keeping a group is only recommended in a much larger and richly structured tank. They can be socialized with robust, not too small fish.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
Sexually mature males have a thickened first pectoral fin ray and more and longer odontodes (pointed skin teeth) than females.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium. It is assumed that they spawn in caves.
Important
Their coloration may vary according to their origin. Since they like to jump, the aquarium must be well covered.
When catching, use as fine-meshed nets as possible so that the hard rays of the pectoral fins or the skin teeth (odontodes) do not get caught on the bone plates, which can cause painful puncture wounds when touched.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 4, Mergus Verlag; SCHMIDT, WERNER, LECHNER (2005): MiniAtlas L-Welse, Bede Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF