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L114 Leopard Cactus Pleco
Pseudacanthicus sp. L114
Also known as L114, Leopard Cactus Pleco L114
Animalia›Chordata›Siluriformes›Loricariidae
The L114 Leopard Cactus Pleco is a large, heavily armored catfish from South America known for its distinctive spotted pattern and impressive size. This nocturnal bottom-dweller requires spacious accommodations and driftwood for rasping and hiding. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial with other plecos and may consume smaller fish or invertebrates.
At a glance
- Size
- 24 in
- 61 cm
- Min tank
- 150 gal
- 568 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm
- 4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 10-15 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Feed high-quality sinking pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables 3-4 times weekly. Supplement with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp. Provide ample driftwood for rasping, which aids digestion and provides essential fiber. Feed sparingly as overfeeding can degrade water quality.
Behavior
Nocturnal and primarily bottom-dwelling, spending most daylight hours hidden in caves or under driftwood. They are solitary and territorial, especially toward other plecos and large catfish. Occasionally active during feeding times but generally slow-moving and sedentary.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is extremely rare and poorly documented. They likely require very large tanks, specific water conditions, and cave structures for spawning. No reliable breeding protocols exist for home aquarists.
Tank mates
See all 5Small peaceful algae eater that occupies different ecological niche
May compete for territory and food; requires separate caves
Different habitat preferences; both nocturnal bottom-dwellers
Large peaceful cichlid; may compete for space in smaller tanks
Mid-water schooling fish that won't compete with bottom-dwelling pleco
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Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Bacterial Infection, Parasitic Infection
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform 25% water changes, use aquarium salt at recommended doses, treat with copper-free medications if needed
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality through frequent water changes, remove decaying food and waste, treat with antibacterial medication, ensure adequate aeration
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, color fading, torn fins
Perform 50% water change, maintain pristine water conditions, treat with broad-spectrum antibacterial medication, isolate if possible
Parasitic Infection
Excessive mucus coating, scratching against surfaces, weight loss, visible parasites
Quarantine affected fish, treat with antiparasitic medication, perform frequent water changes, maintain optimal water parameters
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it.
At a glance
- Size
- 24 in61 cm
- Min tank
- 150 gal568 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 10-15 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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