Pseudacanthicus leopardus

Order: Siluriformes
Suborder: Loricarioidei
Family: Loricariidae
Subfamily: Hypostominae
Genus: Pseudacanthicus
Species: Pseudacanthicus leopardus, Fowler, 1914

Pseudacanthicus leopardus  is a popular pleco species in the aquarium hobby.
It is a colorful and very large growing pleco. It can reach sizes of 40 - 45 cm. In captivity most specimens stay around 30 - 35 cm body length.

Pseudacanthicus species have over their whole body hard spikes, also the Pseudacanthicus leopardus. It is not a good idea to catch a larger specimen with bare hands because this can cause bleeding wounds.
This fish shows big fins and an overall strong body.

Its ground coloration is in most cases olive green but can also show a more brownish, beige or grey coloration. On top of that a dark brown to black "leopard - pattern" can be seen. The dorsal and caudal fins of this beautiful pleco show a bright orange seam. Pelvic and anal fin also show sometimes a bit of orange coloration.

This species gets sometimes confused with the very similar Pseudacanthicus sp. "L114" and "L427". Those two L-numbers are not described species yet and come from other rivers then where the P. leopards comes from.
In comparison with the "L114", this fish is much flatter, especially the head and has a slightly different color.
Also, the "L114" shows normally a bigger pattern and not a total orange seam on the dorsal fin. Especially in the face and at the fins is a difference good visible. "L427" looks similar to "L114" but has a darker ground coloration and gets almost black when being adult.
It is possible that in the future these L-numbers will get one name, just like the Baryancistrus xanthellus; "L18", "L81", "L177", etc..

This fish can show a territorial behaviour towards its own kind and other big plecos. In general this fish is very light sensitive and hides mostly in a cave over the day. In nature, this species occurs in deep water around 20 - 25 meters. When its dark, P. leopardus searches active for food. With his big fins, this pleco is a good swimmer and needs therefore a lot of space.

In the trade they also call  Pseudacanthicus leopardus "Leopard Cactus Pleco" or "the Real Leopardus".
It is also known by the artificial L-number "L600" or "LDA7". On import lists it stands often as "LDA7". Both L-numbers have not been officially recognized by DATZ.

This species has wider spread and is found in Guyana in the Rupununi River and in Brazil in the Rio Branco. Its habitat consists of deep and warm water, with a slightly acidic pH and a moderate current.

This species occurs in depths of 10 - 25 meter, where almost no light touches the ground.

Pseudacanthicus leopardus is a carnivore, although it is not a predator. Even though this species sometimes takes plant matter its main diet consists of animal proteins. In nature P. leopardus mostly eats dead fish, crustaceans, worms and insects (larvae).

In captivity you can feed this fish with frozen, live and dried food. Our experience is that shrimps and mussel are a favourite. Protein rich granules are a good base food for P. leopardus. Also, additional frozen krill and artemia can be given. It is good to sometimes also feed green food, in order to provide a well-balanced diet.
Sometimes it's necessary to feed this fish shortly before the lights go out. Even though it's a big pleco, it tends to be shy and prefers to eat when it's dark.

As previously mentioned, this fish gets huge and therefore needs a lot of space when grown out. Most Pseudacanthicus leopardus in the trade are small enough for normal home aquariums. Since P. leopardus is a slow grower, it takes several years to reach sizes over 30 cm. Especially adults shouldn't be kept in tanks under 150 cm length. This fish swims a lot during night. Even though it seems a bit inactive over the day.

Very important is a good lid for the aquarium, since Pseudacanthicus spp. push themselves sometimes far above the water surface. One of the reasons for this uncalm behavior may be gill worms. This leads the fish to jump, swim fast or reach for air outside of the water.

The aquarium water should have a temperature of 26 - 30 °C and should be neutral to slightly acidic. Good ventilation with an air stone and a good filtration are necessary to keep the fish healthy.

It is possible to keep P. leopardus together with other big fish or pleco species.
Depending on how many other plecos there are in the tank, it should be structured well, to avoid to many territory conflicts. Pseudacanthicus' stay calmer in over-crowded aquarium, which is only possible when there is a big and efficient filter running, that can deal with the massive load of bio mass. Meat eaters produce a lot of ammonia, which can be lethal in to high doses.

It is possible to make a good structure with different big caves, driftwood and big rocks. Everything should be installed in a way that the P. leopardus can't toss it over or falls when being digged under. This species digs a lot and enjoys therefore a lot of substrate like sand or gravel.

Light is not necessary. Dimmed light helps to see this shy fish more often over the day.

Males of the P. leopardus show considerably more odontode growth on the head, the gills, the pectorals and on the sides of the body. Males have their broadest body part around the shoulders. In general, male P. leopardus have more contrasty colors and bigger fins. The head is bigger in length and width.

Females are less colorful and have smaller fins. They have less odontode growth and a smaller head in comparison to the males. Females have their broadest body part in the belly region, especially when she is pregnant and full with eggs.

Pseudacanthicus leopardus has been successful bred in captivity. With a good pair it is not too difficult. It is a cave spawner. Mostly they prefer round caves for breeding. Because the fish can get quiet big you need mostly also big breeding caves.

The male takes care of the eggs and fry.

Here you will find our breeding report of Pseudacanthicus leopardus with photo's and video's