L024 ‘Super Red’ Redfin Cactus Pleco (Pseudacanthicus pitanga ‘super red’)
The L024 or Redfin Cactus Pleco is a colorful and sought-after species of heavily armored pleco originating in the Rio Tocantins in Brazil. Like most members of its genus, it is largely a carnivore and prefers protein-rich foods. The “Super Red” variant displays intense, vivid reds in the dorsal and pectoral finds and is found only in the waters surrounding the town of Tucurui. In the aquarium, the Redfin Cactus Pleco should be offered ample cover and care should be taken with other bottom-dwelling species as they can be territorial. With their large adult size and space requirements, Redfin Cactus Plecos are recommended for experienced hobbyists with large aquariums and heavy filtration.
L056 Yellow Black Chubby Pleco (Parancistrus aurantiacus) 5″
A unique, heavily armored pleco from the Tocantins river basin in Eastern Brazil, the Rubber or Chubby Pleco gets its name from its unusually wide, flattened body shape. In the wild, they are found in areas of moderate to fast water movement and typically live in rocky areas. The species is normally a grey color in nature but certain rare and very sought-after specimens show a striking all-yellow or partially yellow and black coloration. They are a hardy and undemanding pleco in the aquarium but should be offered plenty of covers and excellent water quality should be maintained through frequent large water changes. An omnivore, they will accept most sinking foods and fresh veggies but be sure to offer some protein-rich options like Repashy gel diet or Fluval Bug Bites Pleco Formula regularly.
(L-235) Flat Flyer Pleco 3″
This is a beautiful variety of what are called ‘Fancy Pleco-s’; it originates from the Upper and lower Orinoco tributaries, Caura and Aro rivers in Venezuela. Juveniles like this one have beautiful white spots that pop on their dark black body. Good (oxygen-rich) water flow and driftwood are a must, while a pebbly substrate and rocky hiding places are highly recommended (to recreate the bottom of a flowing river). Flat Flyer Plecos are considered peaceful community fish, but like most fancy plecos, they can be territorial and aggressive towards conspecifics & other bottom dwellers. Avoid mixing with other plecos unless the tank is big enough to establish separate territories (at least 1 square foot per pleco, with decorations as dividers). It is an omnivore, so be sure to feed a mixed variety of meaty and veggie-based foods; it is a nocturnal feeder, so feed as late as you can.
L173 ZEBRA PLECO (Hypancistrus zebra)
The first pectoral fin ray of the male is somewhat thicker than that of the female. Males in breeding conditions further develop their spine-like ''odontodes'' on this ray. The male has a slightly broader head than the female, best observed from above.
Unlike the popular opinion of many other loricariids, Hypancistrus species are more carnivores than algae eaters. This is backed up by a small and lightly toothed mouth that indicates it is a poor algae eater. Provide mainly meaty foods such as bloodworm and even brine shrimp.
L-075 Rio de Para Pleco
3″ King Tiger Pleco (L-066)
This is a beautiful variety of what are called ‘Fancy Pleco-s’. It originates from whitewater sections of the Rio Xingu near the town of Belo Monte (Brazil). Their max size and peaceful nature make them a popular addition to peaceful-community aquariums. Good (oxygen-rich) waterflow and driftwood are a must, while a pebbly substrate and rocky hiding places are highly recommended (to recreate the bottom of a flowing river). King Tigers are considered peaceful community fish, but like most fancy plecos, they can be territorial and aggressive towards conspecifics & other bottom dwellers. Avoid mixing with other pleco-s unless the tank is big enough to establish separate territories (at least 1.5 square feet per pleco, with decorations as dividers). It is more of a carnivore than a herbivore, so be sure to feed a mix of meaty and veggie-based foods; it is a nocturnal feeder, so feed as late as you can.
L-200 Green Phantom Pleco
L-187A Spotted Rubberlip Pleco
12″ Scarlet Cactus Pleco (L-025)
This is a beautiful variety of what are called ‘Fancy Pleco-s’; it originates from Rio Xingu in Brazil. Because of its maximum size, a large setup with powerful filtration is required, as is proper maintenance of water quality.
It is more carnivorous than it is herbivorous, so be sure to feed a mix of foods. It is a nocturnal feeder, so feed as late as you can. Highly oxygenated water is a must; good water flow and driftwood are highly recommended, as are rocky hiding places. Avoid mixing with other pleco-s as fights over territory would be inevitable. As it gets larger it produces quite a bit of waste, so a robust filtration system cannot be overstressed
