Spiny Monster Pleco (Pseudacanthicus spinosus)

The Spiny Monster Pleco (Pseudacanthicus spinosus) is a large, formidably armoured loricariid from the Amazon basin, covered in rows of sharp recurved spines particularly prominent along the head and body margins. Unlike many plecos, this is primarily a carnivorous species that should be fed meaty foods such as prawns and mussel rather than algae wafers. Two individuals are almost always highly aggressive with one another and this species is best kept as a solitary specimen.

Keep as a solitary specimen — do not house with other Pseudacanthicus. Provide large caves and robust driftwood for shelter. Feed meaty sinking foods: prawns, mussel, squid, and high-protein sinking pellets; supplement with driftwood grazing. Maintain clean, well-oxygenated water. Handle with extreme care — the sharp spines can become entangled in nets and inflict painful puncture wounds.