Scarlet Cactus Plecostomus

Pseudacanthicus pirarara

Scarlet Cactus Plecostomus is a bottom-dwelling fish.

Semi-AggressiveBottom dwellerIntermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 40 cm (≤ 15.7 in)
Aquarium size: 1000 L or larger / ≥ 200 cm (≥ 78.7 in) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 26–30 °C
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 5–15 dGH
KH: 0–5 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 12 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 12 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 1000 L or larger / ≥ 200 cm (≥ 78.7 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 26–30 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH, KH 0–5 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Scarlet Cactus Plecostomus needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Scarlet Cactus Plecostomus should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Brazil.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 1000 L or larger / ≥ 200 cm (≥ 78.7 in) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Eyed Plecostomus Panaque cochliodon Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 30 cm (≤ 11.8 in) 22–28 °C Blue Botia Yasuhikotakia modesta Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 18 cm (≤ 7.1 in) 22–30 °C Blue Dolphin Cichlid Cyrtocara moorii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 25 cm (≤ 9.8 in) 23–28 °C Blue Panda Apistogramma Apistogramma panduro Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 7.5 cm (≤ 3 in) 21–28 °C Blue Scraper Cichlid Neochromis omnicaeruleus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 12 cm (≤ 4.7 in) 23–27 °C Black Stripe Dwarf Cichlid Taeniacara candidi Similar care level Same temperament Similar diet Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 7 cm (≤ 2.8 in) 25–28 °C

FAQ

How large does Scarlet Cactus Plecostomus get?

Scarlet Cactus Plecostomus reaches ≤ 40 cm (≤ 15.7 in). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Scarlet Cactus Plecostomus need?

Use an aquarium of at least 1000 L or larger / ≥ 200 cm (≥ 78.7 in) minimum length.

Is Scarlet Cactus Plecostomus peaceful?

Scarlet Cactus Plecostomus needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Scarlet Cactus Plecostomus?

Keep it between 26 to 30 °C.