Pseudacanthicus leopardus L114 CACTUS PLECO

🦎 L114 Leopard Cactus Pleco (Pseudacanthicus leopardus) Care Guide

The L114 Leopard Cactus Pleco is a stunning and powerful armored catfish originating from the Rio Demini, a tributary of the Rio Negro in Brazil. Known for its fierce pattern of dark spots on a fiery red or orange body, this species is popular among pleco enthusiasts for both its beauty and bold personality. Despite its exotic looks, it can thrive in a home aquarium with the right setup, diet, and water quality.

🐟 Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Pseudacanthicus leopardus

• L-Number: L114 (also sometimes confused with L600)

• Common Names: Leopard Cactus Pleco, Red-Fin Cactus Pleco, L114

• Natural Habitat: Rio Demini, Amazon Basin, Brazil

• Adult Size: Typically 10–13 inches (25–33 cm), occasionally larger

• Lifespan: 10–15 years with good care

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, especially to other bottom dwellers

• Behavior: Nocturnal and territorial; active and bold once established

🏡 Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 90 gallons for a single adult; 125+ gallons preferred for long-term housing

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel

• Décor: Use large driftwood pieces, slate caves, and rocks to create shaded retreats

• Lighting: Low to moderate; appreciates subdued lighting

• Water Flow: Moderate to strong; replicate riverine conditions

• Filtration: Powerful filtration is essential due to the pleco's waste output

• Cover: Provide multiple hiding areas to reduce aggression and mimic natural shelters

💧 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 80–88°F (27–31°C)

• pH Range: 5.8–7.2 (slightly acidic is ideal)

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (4–15 dGH)

• TDS: 100–250 ppm

• Water Quality: Sensitive to high nitrates; perform regular 30–50% weekly water changes

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Cactus Plecos are carnivore-leaning omnivores. In the wild, they graze on meaty detritus, invertebrates, and occasionally wood fiber. In captivity, a well-balanced high-protein diet is essential.

• Staple Foods:

  • Sinking carnivore pellets

  • High-quality pleco wafers

• Protein Additions:

  • Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mussel meat, chopped shrimp

• Vegetable Treats (occasional):

  • Blanched zucchini, cucumber, or sweet potato

• Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily, ideally after lights out

🛑 Avoid overfeeding or allowing uneaten food to rot — they are messy eaters, and water quality is crucial.

🤝 Compatibility & Tankmates

• Best Kept With:

  • Medium to large peaceful fish (Silver Dollars, Severums, Geophagus)

  • Mid- or top-dwelling species

• Use Caution With:

  • Other plecos or bottom dwellers — territorial disputes are common

• Avoid:

  • Small delicate fish (may get bullied)

  • Other large plecos in confined spaces

💡 If housing multiple large plecos, ensure they each have their own “territory” and visual barriers between them.

🐣 Breeding Notes

Breeding L114s in home aquariums is possible, but very rare and typically requires a dedicated system:

• Breeding Setup: Large tank (minimum 6 ft) with strong current and heavy oxygenation

• Spawning Caves: Males need deep, tight-fitting caves to guard eggs

• Spawning Trigger: Seasonal simulation (cooler water changes, increased flow, heavy feeding)

• Parental Care: Males may guard eggs and fan them; fry are sensitive to poor water quality

• Fry Feeding: Infusoria or powdered fry food after yolk sac is absorbed

📝 Quick Summary

🔧 Tips for Success

• Use canister filters or sump systems to manage bioload.

• Keep the tank covered — Cactus Plecos are strong and can push lids!

• Monitor for aggression and provide plenty of visual barriers if other plecos are present.

• A strong, healthy male will display vibrant red-orange fins and thick odontodes (spikes) on the pectoral area during breeding season.