{"product_id":"plecostomus-scarlet-cactus-l25","title":"Plecostomus Scarlet Cactus L25","description":"\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1p8pl5b\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"59\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e Scarlet Cactus Pleco L25 (\u003cem data-start=\"32\" data-end=\"58\"\u003ePseudacanthicus pirarara\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"61\" data-end=\"487\"\u003eThe Scarlet Cactus Pleco L25 is one of the most spectacular and sought-after plecos in the aquarium hobby. Renowned for its powerful armoured body, deep charcoal-black colouration, and vivid scarlet to orange-red fins, this impressive catfish becomes a true centrepiece in large tropical aquariums. Its striking colours intensify with age, making mature specimens especially breathtaking. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"489\" data-end=\"878\"\u003eUnlike many smaller plecos, the Scarlet Cactus Pleco is an active predator and scavenger with a bold personality. Although it spends much of the day resting inside caves or beneath driftwood, it becomes increasingly active during the evening, patrolling the aquarium in search of food. This species is best suited to experienced fishkeepers due to its eventual size and territorial nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"i8bhmr\" data-start=\"880\" data-end=\"922\"\u003e🌿 Why Choose the Scarlet Cactus Pleco?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"924\" data-end=\"1301\"\u003e❤️ Brilliant scarlet-red to orange fins that intensify with age\u003cbr data-start=\"987\" data-end=\"990\"\u003e🛡️ Impressive armoured appearance with powerful body shape\u003cbr data-start=\"1049\" data-end=\"1052\"\u003e🐟 A stunning centrepiece for large aquariums\u003cbr data-start=\"1097\" data-end=\"1100\"\u003e🪵 Loves caves, driftwood, and rocky aquascapes\u003cbr data-start=\"1147\" data-end=\"1150\"\u003e💪 Hardy when provided with excellent water quality\u003cbr data-start=\"1201\" data-end=\"1204\"\u003e🧠 Intelligent with plenty of personality\u003cbr data-start=\"1245\" data-end=\"1248\"\u003e✨ One of the most desirable large plecos in the hobby\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1303\" data-end=\"1655\"\u003eThe Scarlet Cactus Pleco is native to the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1345\" data-end=\"1358\"\u003eRio Xingu\u003c\/strong\u003e and surrounding tributaries in Brazil, where it inhabits fast-flowing, oxygen-rich waters with rocky riverbeds and submerged wood. These habitats provide countless caves and crevices where the fish can shelter during the day before emerging to feed at night. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"eyqbfy\" data-start=\"1657\" data-end=\"1680\"\u003e📏 Care Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1682\" data-end=\"2301\"\u003e🧬 \u003cstrong data-start=\"1685\" data-end=\"1705\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"1706\" data-end=\"1732\"\u003ePseudacanthicus pirarara\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1732\" data-end=\"1735\"\u003e📛 \u003cstrong data-start=\"1738\" data-end=\"1754\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Scarlet Cactus Pleco \/ L25 Pleco\u003cbr data-start=\"1787\" data-end=\"1790\"\u003e🏠 \u003cstrong data-start=\"1793\" data-end=\"1807\"\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 500L+ recommended for adults\u003cbr data-start=\"1836\" data-end=\"1839\"\u003e📏 \u003cstrong data-start=\"1842\" data-end=\"1857\"\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 40–45cm\u003cbr data-start=\"1871\" data-end=\"1874\"\u003e🌡️ \u003cstrong data-start=\"1878\" data-end=\"1894\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 26–30°C\u003cbr data-start=\"1902\" data-end=\"1905\"\u003e⚗️ \u003cstrong data-start=\"1908\" data-end=\"1921\"\u003epH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.4\u003cbr data-start=\"1929\" data-end=\"1932\"\u003e🧘 \u003cstrong data-start=\"1935\" data-end=\"1951\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive and territorial, particularly towards other plecos\u003cbr data-start=\"2018\" data-end=\"2021\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e🍽️ \u003cstrong data-start=\"2025\" data-end=\"2034\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivorous sinking pellets, mussels, prawns, shrimp, earthworms, bloodworm, krill, white fish, occasional algae wafers, and high-quality protein-rich frozen foods\u003cbr data-start=\"2198\" data-end=\"2201\"\u003e👥 \u003cstrong data-start=\"2204\" data-end=\"2219\"\u003eGroup Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best kept singly unless housed in a very large aquarium with multiple territories\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2303\" data-end=\"2788\"\u003eScarlet Cactus Plecos require powerful filtration, excellent aeration, and pristine water quality. They appreciate a layout filled with large driftwood pieces, smooth boulders, and multiple caves where they can establish territories. Strong water movement and high oxygen levels help replicate their natural habitat and keep them in peak condition. Young fish are particularly sensitive to poor water quality, making regular maintenance essential. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"19tjahi\" data-start=\"2790\" data-end=\"2809\"\u003e🐠 Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2811\" data-end=\"2895\"\u003eScarlet Cactus Plecos can be kept with other large, robust tropical fish, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2897\" data-end=\"3067\"\u003e🐟 Severums\u003cbr data-start=\"2908\" data-end=\"2911\"\u003e🐟 Geophagus species\u003cbr data-start=\"2931\" data-end=\"2934\"\u003e🐟 Silver Dollars\u003cbr data-start=\"2951\" data-end=\"2954\"\u003e🐟 Larger Rainbowfish\u003cbr data-start=\"2975\" data-end=\"2978\"\u003e🐟 Bichirs\u003cbr data-start=\"2988\" data-end=\"2991\"\u003e🐟 Datnoids\u003cbr data-start=\"3002\" data-end=\"3005\"\u003e🐟 Arowanas (in suitably large aquariums)\u003cbr data-start=\"3046\" data-end=\"3049\"\u003e🐟 Large Characins\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3069\" data-end=\"3255\"\u003eAvoid keeping them with small community fish that may be intimidated during feeding, or with other large plecos unless the aquarium is exceptionally spacious with multiple hiding places.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"9ghvog\" data-start=\"3257\" data-end=\"3275\"\u003eImportant Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3277\" data-end=\"3603\"\u003eScarlet Cactus Plecos are \u003cstrong data-start=\"3303\" data-end=\"3330\"\u003enot algae-eating plecos\u003c\/strong\u003e like Bristlenose or Common Plecos. They are primarily carnivorous and require a protein-rich diet to maintain their health and vibrant colouration. A varied menu of quality frozen and prepared foods is essential for long-term success. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3605\" data-end=\"3815\"\u003eAs they mature, these plecos become increasingly territorial, particularly towards other bottom-dwelling fish. Providing numerous caves and visual barriers helps reduce conflict, especially in larger aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3817\" data-end=\"4147\"\u003eDue to their impressive adult size of up to \u003cstrong data-start=\"3861\" data-end=\"3869\"\u003e45cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, the Scarlet Cactus Pleco is only suitable for very large aquariums with substantial filtration and excellent water movement. A secure lid is also recommended, as they are powerful fish and have been known to jump under certain conditions. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4149\" data-end=\"4491\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThe Scarlet Cactus Pleco L25 is an outstanding choice for UK aquarists looking for a truly impressive showpiece catfish. Its vivid scarlet fins, commanding presence, and fascinating behaviour make it one of the most desirable plecos in the hobby, rewarding experienced keepers with an unforgettable addition to large South American aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Neil Hardy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58428690530685,"sku":null,"price":149.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0602\/4983\/3648\/files\/Gemini_Generated_Image_85vexm85vexm85ve.png?v=1784724701","url":"https:\/\/www.snuffleandswim.com\/products\/plecostomus-scarlet-cactus-l25","provider":"Snuffle and Swim","version":"1.0","type":"link"}