Un peu plus d'informations...

The Flame Cactus, known in the aquarium hobby as Pseudacanthicus pitanga L-024, is a large loricariid native to the Rio Xingu in Brazil. Its robust body, bony armor and reddish-brown coloration marked with pale patterns give it a striking presence in a properly arranged aquarium. This bottom-dwelling species inhabits rocky areas exposed to a steady current, where it shelters during the day and becomes more active as the light fades. Collected from the wild, it is best suited to experienced aquarists able to provide a large aquarium, excellent water quality and suitable shelters for its adult size.

General species description

Pseudacanthicus pitanga L-024 is a large armored catfish sought after for its imposing shape and warm coloration. Like many large loricariids, it spends much of its time close to the bottom, inside cavities and beneath rocky structures. Its activity is mainly crepuscular and nocturnal, although an acclimated specimen may appear regularly during the day. It is a hardy species, but its care requirements should not be underestimated: a spacious aquarium, powerful filtration and highly oxygenated water are essential. Adults may become territorial toward conspecifics or other bottom-dwelling fish, especially when hiding places are limited. With intermediate commercial rarity, the Flame Cactus remains a sought-after fish rather than a basic community-aquarium species. It is best considered a specialized fish to be kept with similarly sized, peaceful tank mates.

Geographic origin and biotope

This species comes from Brazil, in the basin of the Rio Xingu in eastern Amazonia. Its natural habitat is associated with clear to relatively transparent river sections containing rocks, crevices and surfaces where the current remains active. Rocky areas of the Xingu provide numerous cavities used as shelter and likely as resting or breeding sites. Aquatic vegetation is generally less dominant than mineral substrate; riverside vegetation nevertheless shades the banks and contributes organic matter to the system. In the aquarium, it is therefore important to provide warm, stable and highly oxygenated water, with real bottom flow rather than simple surface agitation. Regular water changes are particularly important for recreating conditions found in well-aerated Amazonian rivers.

Precise location and local name

Pseudacanthicus pitanga L-024 is associated with the Rio Xingu in the Brazilian state of Pará. The most commonly used trade name in North America and among loricariid keepers is Flame Cactus, an expression referring to its red or orange tones and spiny outline. The code L-024 belongs to the aquarium numbering system used for loricariids imported before their taxonomic position was always established. In the trade, this code often remains more practical than the full scientific name. Xingu populations are especially valued because of their coloration and their connection with a river known for its remarkable fish diversity. To avoid confusion, it is useful to retain the L-024 code, the name Pseudacanthicus pitanga L-024 and the Flame Cactus trade name when purchasing or breeding this fish.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The Flame Cactus has a stocky, heavily armored body, a broad head and an inferior mouth adapted for taking food from surfaces. Its fins and body plates bear well-developed odontodes, which are especially visible in adults. The general coloration ranges from dark brown to reddish brown, with paler markings that may form an irregular pattern across the body and fins. Red tones often become stronger in healthy specimens, explaining the Flame Cactus trade name. The shape is typical of large Pseudacanthicus, with powerful pectoral fins, defensive spines and an imposing presence on the substrate. Adult fish may exceed 30 cm, requiring a long aquarium with substantial structure. Individual differences in pattern and color intensity are normal and make each specimen slightly distinctive.

General diet

Despite its predatory appearance, Pseudacanthicus pitanga L-024 is primarily an omnivorous bottom feeder. Its diet should be based on quality sinking tablets, loricariid pellets and regular vegetable foods such as zucchini, cucumber or green beans. It also accepts richer protein foods, including shrimp, mussels or frozen preparations, but these should remain supplementary. A varied diet supports growth, coloration and overall condition. Meals are best offered after the lights go out, when the species becomes more active. Uneaten food should be removed to protect water quality. Access to sufficient food is important in a community aquarium because this fish may be slow to compete with fast-moving tank mates. A combination of plant matter and moderate protein foods is more suitable than an exclusively vegetarian diet.

Essential data

• River of origin: Rio Xingu
• Local name used: Flame Cactus; aquarium code L-024
• Origin of the scientific name: Pseudacanthicus means false Acanthicus; pitanga refers to a red coloration resembling the fruit of the same name.
• Etymology of the full name: Pseudo means false, Acanthicus refers to a spiny loricariid genus, and pitanga means pitanga or red fruit in Brazilian Portuguese.
• Common or vernacular names: Flame Cactus
• Family: Loricariidae
• Subfamily: Hypostominae
• Name pronunciation: pee-zoo-ah-kan-thi-kuss pee-tan-gah
• Discovery: Described by Lúcia Helena Rapp Py-Daniel and Alexandre Chamon in 2014.
• Maximum adult size: Approximately 30 to 35 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 26 to 30 °C; pH 6.0 to 7.5
• Appearance of the watercourse and surrounding vegetation: Rocky, clear and well-oxygenated river with active current and mainly riverside vegetation.
• Typical tank mates: Pseudacanthicus pirarara L-025, Hypancistrus zebra L-046, Scobinancistrus aureatus L-014, Krobia xinguensis
• Temperament and behavior: Generally peaceful toward open-water fish, but territorial toward bottom fish and conspecifics.
• Water depth: Rocky bottom areas; a precise depth is not retained here.
• Sexual dimorphism: Adult males usually develop more numerous and longer odontodes, especially on the body and pectoral fins.
• Bottom structure and flow: Rocks, crevices, caves and mineral substrate with strong current and high oxygenation.

In your aquarium

Success with Pseudacanthicus pitanga L-024 begins with a very spacious aquarium equipped with sturdy hiding places, smooth rocks and well-distributed current. Oversized filtration, warm water and strong oxygenation are priorities. Feed it after the lights go out with a varied diet, then monitor growth and territorial behavior. Since this is a wild-collected fish, gradual acclimation and close attention to water quality are recommended. Its size and intermediate rarity make it a choice for prepared aquarists rather than an improvised addition to a community aquarium.