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.
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.