[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Catfish – Spiny Plec (Pseudacanthicus spinosus)

As the name implies, this is a spiny fish, but it also possesses serrations on the scales. All members of this genus are spiny by nature, making them difficult to handle. There are probably about 12 species in the genus (the number is unclear, as some have not been described and are currently referred to only by their “L” numbers). Of the described species, P. leopardus (Leopard Plec), from the Rio Negro area in Brazil, is one of the few other Pseudacanthicus that are fairly regularly available.

Other common name

• Spiny Pleco

Family

• Loricariidae

Subfamily

• Ancistrinae

Distribution

• Brazilian Amazon basin.

Size

• Around 9 3/4in (25cm).

Behavior

• Highly territorial, particularly toward its own species.

Diet

• Wide range of sinking foods accepted.

Aquarium

• Large, well filtered, with flowing water (as produced by powerhead outlet), recommended. Provide large bogwood or rock shelters. Softish, slightly acid to slightly alkaline water advisable. Temperature range: 72-79 F (22-26 C).

Breeding

• No documented accounts currently available.