Leopard Cactus Pleco L114
Live Fish
Shipping & Returns
All live fish are shipped using NZPost overnight services with authority to leave (no signature).
We cannot guarantee the overnight services, this is a service that we/you pay for; but is not guaranteed.
We DO NOT offer returns on any alive animal.
Above are key points of our policy, Click Here to read our full shipping policy.
Dead On Arrival (DOA) Cover*
- DOA must be reported within 2 hours of delivery.
- Bags must remain sealed (do not remove rubber band or tape)
- Photos & Videos must be supplied this can be emailed or sent through live chat; including your order No. (minimum 3 clear images, showing dead fish & sealed bag)
- DOA does not apply once the bags are opened & fish have been released.
- DOA does not apply to any Rural (RD) address.
Introducing New Fish
Follow these steps to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for your new fish!
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Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag containing the new fish in the tank. This equalizes the temperature between bag and tank water.
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Open and Add Tank Water Gradually: After about 5 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of aquarium water into it every 5 minutes for 15–30 minutes. This helps the fish acclimate to the tank’s water chemistry.
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Wait 15–30 Minutes: Let the fish adjust to the water temperature and chemistry gradually in the bag.
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Release Fish: Gently release the fish into the tank without pouring the original bag water in.
Leopard Cactus Pleco – L114
(Pseudacanthicus leopardus)
The Leopard Cactus Pleco (L114) is a bold and powerful showpiece catfish prized for its dramatic coloration, spiny features, and unique armored appearance. Native to Brazil’s Rio Demini, this species belongs to the Pseudacanthicus genus, often referred to as "cactus plecos" due to their pronounced odontodes (spines) and robust body structure.
Key Features
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Coloration: Dark chocolate to black body adorned with bright orange to red leopard-like spots
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Fins: Large, flared dorsal and pectoral fins often edged in orange or red
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Texture: Covered in fine spines along the head and pectoral region, especially in males
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Adult Size: 30–35 cm (12–14 inches)
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Lifespan: Up to 15 years in optimal conditions
Behavior & Temperament
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Temperament: Territorial, especially with other bottom-dwellers or plecos
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Activity: Nocturnal by nature but can adapt to daytime feeding
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Tank Position: Bottom dweller that appreciates caves and shaded zones
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Best Kept: Alone or with fast, robust tankmates—avoid delicate species
Aquarium Requirements
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Minimum Tank Size: 300 liters (80 gallons) or larger
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Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 26–30°C (79–86°F)
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pH: 6.2–7.5
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Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
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Décor: Plenty of hiding spots using rocks, driftwood, and sturdy caves
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Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel
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Filtration: Strong, with high oxygenation and excellent water quality
Diet
Carnivorous to omnivorous:
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Meaty foods: frozen shrimp, mussels, bloodworms, carnivore pellets
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Occasional vegetables (zucchini, cucumber)
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Avoid too much algae-based food—this species prefers protein
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is rare and challenging:
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Cave-spawning species
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Males become highly territorial
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Requires very large, species-specific setups with perfect water conditions
Ideal For
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Advanced aquarists and collectors
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South American biotope aquariums
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Display tanks showcasing rare and exotic plecos
If you like updated photo please contact us and we will send you photos/video of actual fish that you are purchasing.
