Care
The Scarlet Plec is known from the Lower and Middle Rio Xingu, and its tributaries, the Rio Bacaja and Rio Iriri. Here, this large, impressive Loricariid is found in the main river channels over gravel and bedrock in moderate to fast-flowing water that is typically 2-3m deep. It is not gregarious and may be found hiding underneath rocks, emerging to feed on small invertebrates. The aquarium housing this substantial species must be of vast proportions with powerful, oversized filtration to match. The substrate should consist of soft sand or smooth rounded gravel with huge pieces of bogwood arranged to create a number of shady caves and crevices. Rockwork can also be provided, but you must ensure this is heavy enough and stable enough not to be disturbed by the movement of this big catfish. There should be brisk water movement and a high level of oxygenation, perhaps provided by powerheads (in addition to the current generated by the filtration). Dim lighting is preferable, but this can be brighter if diffused by the decor. It is best to keep only one Scarlet Plec per tank, as these fish can be fiercely territorial with conspecifics and other bottom dwellers that occupy the same niche. It is not unknown for mature specimens to harass and kill other large plecs and similar species when kept in slightly cramped quarters, so choose tankmates cautiously and observe carefully. The most suitable tankmates would be medium-large sized fish which occupy the mid to upper levels of the water column, such as sizeable barbs, big Anostomids (headstanders), Brycon spp., Metynnis/Myleus spp., pike cichlids etc. May also be seen on sale as Redfin Cactus Pleco or Scarlet Cactus Pleco.
Feeding
Omnivorous. Smaller specimens can be offered bloodworm, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp etc. Larger specimens will enjoy prawns, cockles, mussels, crab, crayfish etc. Will also take large sinking catfish pellets, algae wafers, sinking carnivore pellets, plus many fruits and vegetables.
Breeding
This species has been bred in the home aquarium, but it is a rare occurrence - likely because not many aquarists own a mature, compatible pair. The trigger seems to be a series of cool partial water changes. Around 300 orange-coloured eggs are deposited in a cave, which the male guards and takes care of. The eggs should hatch in approximately 7 days, the fry initially gaining nutrition from their yolk sacs.
