Common Name: L273 Yellow Titanic Pleco
Scientific Name: Pseudacanthicus sp.
Other Names: Yellow Titanic Cactus Pleco, L273 Gold Titanic Pleco
The L273 Yellow Titanic Pleco is a large and striking Pseudacanthicus species known for its golden-yellow to orange hues, which can intensify with proper care and diet. It has a heavily armored body, large pectoral and dorsal fins, and a powerful sucker mouth designed for gripping rocky surfaces. Like other Pseudacanthicus species, it is more carnivorous than many plecos and exhibits territorial behavior, particularly toward other bottom-dwellers.
Habitat and Distribution:
Native to Brazil, the L273 Yellow Titanic Pleco is believed to originate from the Rio Tocantins and its surrounding tributaries. It thrives in fast-moving, highly oxygenated waters with rocky substrates, where it hides among crevices and caves. These waters are warm and clear, requiring excellent filtration and oxygenation in captivity.
Size and Lifespan:
This species grows to about 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) in captivity, with wild specimens sometimes exceeding these sizes. With proper care, they can live for 12-15 years.
Diet and Behavior:
The Yellow Titanic Pleco is primarily carnivorous. In the wild, it feeds on small crustaceans, insect larvae, and biofilm. In captivity, it requires high-quality sinking carnivore pellets, frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, blackworms, and chopped raw tilapia, and occasional plant-based foods like spirulina wafers or blanched vegetables for variety. It is semi-aggressive and territorial, especially with other large plecos or bottom dwellers. Providing ample hiding spots can help reduce aggression.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Pseudacanthicus species in captivity is rare and challenging. They are cave spawners, with males guarding the eggs inside their chosen shelter. To encourage breeding, a well-structured aquarium with multiple caves, strong water flow, and a high-protein diet is required. Most specimens available in the aquarium trade are wild-caught.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A minimum of 125 gallons is required for a single adult, with a larger tank (150+ gallons) recommended for long-term care. Their ideal tank setup includes a fine gravel or sand substrate, multiple rock caves and driftwood for shelter, strong filtration with high oxygenation, moderate to strong water flow to replicate river conditions, and subdued lighting to encourage natural behaviors.
Ideal Tank Mates:
The L273 Pleco is semi-aggressive and should be housed with robust, similarly sized fish. Suitable tank mates include Severums, Geophagus Cichlids, Large Barbs, Datnoids, Silver Dollars, and other large South American species. Avoid delicate or small fish that may be outcompeted for food or harassed.
Difficulty Level:
Advanced. They require excellent water quality, high oxygen levels, and a carefully planned tank setup to thrive.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 78-86°F (26-30°C)
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pH: 6.5-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 5-15 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 3-10 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- Strong filtration and high oxygen levels are essential due to their preference for well-oxygenated waters.
- They require a protein-rich diet and should not be relied upon as algae eaters.
- Their territorial nature means they should not be kept with other Pseudacanthicus species unless housed in an extremely large aquarium.
The L273 Yellow Titanic Pleco is an impressive and rare pleco species that makes a stunning centerpiece in a large aquarium. With proper care and an appropriate setup, it can be a rewarding and visually striking addition to experienced aquarists’ collections.
