L-114 Leopard Cactus Pleco

Plecostomus are a specialty of AquariumFish.com. These catfish originate in South America, and many colors, sizes and patterns can be found; so many that common names often aren’t enough to identify one pleco from another, so in 1988 a tropical fish magazine in Germany called DATZ assigned “L” numbers to distinguish species. Though not exactly scientific, the system works. We carry a couple of plecos that have not been assigned their L number, but the Germans are a cautious folk, and we are sure they will get around to it in a precise and correct manner. Medium size is 2” to 3”. Most plecos do better with a little driftwood in the tank.

The leopard cactus pleco grows quite slowly and must be wild-caught in Brazil. These are beautiful cactus plecos and very good companions in peaceful and aggressive species tanks.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Give them strong current, high oxygen, large caves and driftwood, and keep the water warm and very clean.

Feeding: Feed meaty sinking foods like carnivore pellets. They also enjoy frozen foods like shrimp and bloodworms.

Tankmates: They do well with medium to large community fish and cichlids. They may eat very small fish or shrimp, and they are territorial with other plecos.

Good to know: Cactus plecos get more colorful as they mature and can live for decades with good care.