L600 Leopard Cactus Pleco Profile

Scientific Name : Pseudacanthicus leopardus L600/LDA73
Family : Loricariidae
Common Name : Leopard Cactus Pleco
Maximum Length : 30cm / 12"
Origin : Rio Branco, Brazil (A similar species is L114, from Rio Demini)
pH Level : 6.0 - 7.4
Things to note: L600 is one of the sharp spiked and spotted pseudas, the others being the L96, L160 and L282. Hence it is extremely boisterous and territorial, and care must be taken to ensure that there is sufficient space for it to call its own. Aeration and pH are also important factors. The flow rate of the powerhead is not important. Note that young fish are extremely sensitive to ammonia and nitrite, and overfiltration is always recommended.

Personal comments : L600 is one of the most beautiful pseuda species available, and there's a good reason why: the rich colour of a good L600 specimen can match that of a L25 easily, if not better it. The only drawback of L600 is that the body colours will leach onto the red fins as it grows bigger, thus dulling the colour of the fish.

Tips : Keep the L600 in a tank with black Oyama, where its body will become darker. Coupled with a red light tube to accentuate the red colour of its fins, it becomes an awesome display fish immediately. It is not certain if there's any way to reduce or even stop the leaching of colours.
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Sexual dimporphism / reproduction : Unknown.

Feeding : Carnivore but not a predator. Favours prawns as well as small pieces of fish. Provide some vegetables for a balanced diet. When it gets used to the aquarium it will also eat pellets and wafers.

Behavior in captivity : L600s are extremely shy and introverted fish and require low lighting or darkness and a cave they can call their own. They are particularly aggressive and territorial towards conspecifics. Should there be a challenge expect to see violent fights and bullying until the hierarchy is established. Due to their size and strength fights may have detrimental outcomes. Provide clearly separated spaces for them in the tank and ensure each stays there by minimising the need for them to look for food outside their space. Given time they will get used to each others presence and learn to live harmoniously.