{"product_id":"l600-leopard-cactus-pleco-pseudacanthicus-pitanga-for-sale-online","title":"L600 Leopard Cactus Pleco \/ Pseudacanthicus pitanga","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leopard Cactus Pleco \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pseudacanthicus pitanga\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e L600 Pleco\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Leopard Cactus Pleco, known as L600 in the aquarium trade, is a striking and highly sought-after species. It is renowned for its vibrant and contrasting coloration, featuring a dark base, typically black or deep brown, covered in striking golden or orange spots, resembling a leopard's coat. This pleco is part of the Pseudacanthicus genus, known for its large, spiny fins and robust body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat and Distribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Native to the Rio Tocantins basin in Pará, Brazil, where it has been collected over rocky bedrock in rivers such as the rio Itacaiúnas. They thrive in environments with plenty of hiding spots and clean, well-oxygenated water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize and Lifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grows to about 12 inches (30 cm), not counting the tail. They are long-lived fish, with lifespans that can extend beyond 10-15 years with proper care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet and Behavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e This species is primarily carnivorous, feeding on a diet of meaty foods. In the wild, they consume invertebrates and small fish. In captivity, their diet should include high-quality sinking carnivore pellets, frozen foods like shrimp and bloodworms, and occasional fresh foods. They are generally nocturnal and may be more active during the night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding and Reproduction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Breeding Leopard Cactus Plecos in captivity is challenging and rare. They are cave spawners, with the male guarding the eggs in a cave or similar structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium Care and Tank Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Due to their size, Leopard Cactus Plecos require a large aquarium. A minimum tank size of 120 gallons is recommended for an adult. The tank should have a strong current, well-oxygenated water, and numerous hiding places created by rocks, driftwood, and caves. Good filtration is critical to maintain water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal Tank Mates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Given their large size and territorial nature, they should be kept with similarly sized, robust fish. Suitable tank mates include large cichlids, other large catfish, and sizeable characins. Smaller fish might be at risk of being eaten.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Advanced. Their large size, carnivorous diet, and need for specific tank conditions make them suitable for experienced aquarists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 79-86°F (26-30°C)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0-7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral Hardness (GH):\u003c\/strong\u003e 5-15 dGH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCarbonate Hardness (KH):\u003c\/strong\u003e 3-8 dKH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt;20 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional Information:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Leopard Cactus Pleco's striking appearance makes it a centerpiece in a large, well-maintained aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThey can be territorial, especially during breeding or feeding, so tank layout should accommodate this behavior.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRegular monitoring and maintenance of the tank are essential to ensure the health and wellbeing of this impressive species.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Lone Star Rare Exotic Fish Co.","offers":[{"title":"1-2” \/ Wild Caught","offer_id":52020947616062,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"6-8\" \/ Wild Caught","offer_id":47833301549374,"sku":"","price":499.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"8-10” \/ Wild Caught","offer_id":49907349193022,"sku":"","price":499.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1-2” \/ Captive Bred","offer_id":52020948500798,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"6-8\" \/ Captive Bred","offer_id":52020948533566,"sku":null,"price":499.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"8-10” \/ Captive Bred","offer_id":52020948566334,"sku":null,"price":499.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0575\/5958\/0867\/files\/l600-leopard-cactus-pleco-pseudacanthicus-leopardus-for-sale-online-live-freshwater-tropical-fish-140.webp?v=1753775533","url":"https:\/\/www.lonestarrareexoticfish.com\/products\/l600-leopard-cactus-pleco-pseudacanthicus-pitanga-for-sale-online","provider":"Lone Star Rare Exotic Fish Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}