Red Phantom Pleco (Pseudacanthicus pirarara, L024) Care Guide
Pseudacanthicus pirarara is a large spiny loricariid catfish from the Rio Xingu in Brazil, reaching about 40 cm.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Pseudacanthicus pirarara, traded as L024, is a large suckermouth armoured catfish of the family Loricariidae, described by Chamon and de Sousa in 2016. According to FishBase, it originates from the Rio Xingu in Brazil and reaches a maximum total length of about 40.5 cm with a recorded weight up to 950 g. Members of the genus are spiny loricariids commonly grouped as cactus plecos.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Pseudacanthicus
- Scientific name: Pseudacanthicus pirarara
- L-number: L024
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Rio Xingu in Brazil, a tropical freshwater river. It is a demersal fish, living on or near the bottom. Wikipedia notes that Pseudacanthicus species generally inhabit fast-flowing waters of South American river basins, sometimes relatively deep.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 800 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
Like other members of the genus, this is a meat-oriented pleco rather than a strict algae grazer. The KB record classifies it as a carnivore fed once daily; sinking carnivore and meaty foods suit the genus.
Compatibility
A bottom-dwelling, nocturnal and territorial species best kept with robust tankmates. The KB record lists tetras and Corydoras as compatible, while other territorial or aggressive plecos should be avoided to prevent confrontations.
Conservation status
FishBase notes the IUCN Red List status as Not Evaluated, with low resilience and a minimum population doubling time of 4.5-14 years.
Pseudacanthicus pirarara (L024) Breeding Guide
Overview
Pseudacanthicus pirarara (L024) is a large spiny cactus pleco of the genus Pseudacanthicus, which Wikipedia records as native to South America in the Amazon and Orinoco basins and the rivers of the Guianas. Species-specific spawning reports are scarce, so this guide follows the documented genus-level breeding biology described by Tropical Fish Hobbyist for cactus plecos, which it confirms as cave-spawners.
Sexing
For Pseudacanthicus, Tropical Fish Hobbyist reports that males develop longer pectoral and ventral fins and thicker pectoral spines, with a bulky, chiselled head, while females have a more pointed head. A ready female shows a markedly wider belly than the male. Sex can usually be told from around 15 cm.
Conditioning
Cactus plecos are carnivorous. Tropical Fish Hobbyist advises conditioning mainly on frozen foods and meaty tablets rather than vegetables; readiness is judged by the female's belly becoming much wider than the male's.
Breeding Setup
Tropical Fish Hobbyist recommends a tank of at least 100 cm length and 40-50 cm depth with caves, driftwood and stones with large openings, plus strong filtration. The breeding cave should be about 5 cm longer than the male's total length and only wide enough for him to enter with pectoral fins half-extended, with a rough interior surface so the clutch can grip.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Tropical Fish Hobbyist recommends warm water of roughly 27-32 °C, soft and neutral to slightly acidic, with water changes using soft, slightly acidic water to stimulate interest. The female enters the cave and lays eggs along the top while the male fertilises and then guards them.
Egg & Fry Care
According to Tropical Fish Hobbyist an adult cactus pleco female can produce about 500 eggs. Eggs hatch after six to seven days, and the larvae take about five days to absorb their yolk sacs under the male's care before dispersing into the tank, after which they need several small feedings daily.
Common Challenges
Tropical Fish Hobbyist warns that juveniles often start dying around 3 cm because of overcrowding, bacterial build-up and lack of space and hiding areas. Generous volume, frequent feeding and stable water quality are required to bring the brood through. As L024 is among the largest Pseudacanthicus, a very large grow-out is needed.