Common Name: L273 Red Titanic Pleco
Scientific Name: Pseudacanthicus sp.
Other Names: Red Titanic Cactus Pleco, L273 Pleco
The L273 Red Titanic Pleco is a large and striking Pseudacanthicus species known for its deep red to orange hues, often intensified by good water conditions and diet. It has a robust body with armored plating, a powerful sucker mouth, and large, well-developed pectoral and dorsal fins. Like other Pseudacanthicus species, it is more carnivorous than many plecos and can be territorial, especially as it matures.
Habitat and Distribution:
Native to Brazil, the L273 Pleco is believed to originate from the Rio Tocantins and nearby tributaries. It inhabits fast-moving, highly oxygenated waters with rocky substrates, where it seeks shelter in crevices and caves. These areas provide an abundant food source of small invertebrates and detritus.
Size and Lifespan:
This species can reach about 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) in captivity, with wild specimens sometimes growing even larger. With proper care, they can live for 12-15 years.
Diet and Behavior:
The Red Titanic Pleco is a carnivore with a strong preference for meaty foods. In the wild, it feeds on small crustaceans, insect larvae, and biofilm. In captivity, it should be provided with 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 to maintain balanced nutrition. It is semi-aggressive and can be territorial, particularly with other plecos or bottom-dwelling fish. Providing ample hiding spaces will help minimize aggression.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Pseudacanthicus species in captivity is rare and difficult. They are believed to be cave spawners, with males guarding the eggs. To encourage breeding, a large, well-structured aquarium with multiple caves, strong water flow, and a protein-rich diet is necessary. Most individuals 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 housing with delicate or small fish that may be outcompeted for food.
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 the tank is extremely large.
The L273 Red Titanic Pleco is an impressive and powerful pleco species that makes a fantastic centerpiece in a large aquarium. With proper care and an appropriate setup, it can be a rewarding and visually stunning addition to experienced aquarists’ collections.
