L024 Red Fin Cactus Pleco (Pseudacanthicus pitanga)

Striking fins. Armoured beauty. A special arrival for NZ pleco enthusiasts.

Top Fin Aquatics is excited to offer the L024 Red Fin Cactus Pleco—a spectacular species that, to our knowledge, has not been imported into New Zealand for around 20 years.

With its dark, heavily armoured body and beautiful red-to-orange fins, this impressive pleco brings something special to a large freshwater aquarium. Its distinctive spiny appearance gives it the “cactus” name, while its colour and commanding presence make it a standout as it matures.

Our fish are currently approximately 5–6 cm, offering the opportunity to raise a juvenile into an impressive adult.

Care & Aquarium Requirements

• Adult size: A large species reaching around 35 cm body length, with additional length from the tail. Plan for a spacious adult aquarium.

• Temperament: Territorial, particularly towards other plecos and bottom-dwelling fish. Provide separate shelters and plenty of floor space.

• Aquarium setup: A mature aquarium with strong filtration, well-oxygenated water, caves and rocky hiding places.

• Diet: Primarily carnivorous. Offer quality sinking carnivore pellets and varied foods such as shrimp, mussel and suitable frozen foods, with occasional vegetable matter.

• Experience level: Best suited to experienced fishkeepers prepared for its adult size and long-term needs.

Feeding note: This species needs deliberate, protein-rich feeding and should not be purchased as an algae cleaner.

An exciting addition for dedicated pleco enthusiasts—available now at Top Fin Aquatics.

Size is approximate. Colouration and fin development vary with age and between individual fish.