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Red tail lasiancistrus

Lasiancistrus heteracanthus

Also known as Cutuchi pleco, Small spot red eye pleco, Red tail pleco

FreshwaterFish
Red tail lasiancistrus (Lasiancistrus heteracanthus)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–81°F (23–27°C)
pH
6.0–7.2
Adult size
7.1 in (18 cm)
Minimum tank
66 gal (250 L)
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Medium
Rarity
Rare
Origin
Upper Amazon foothills, Ecuador and Peru
Family
Loricariidae

Overview

The red tail lasiancistrus is a flattened, whiskery grazing pleco that prefers cooler, faster water than most, and it is one of the more determined algae eaters among the plecos. It is solitary and best kept one to a tank, giving it a cave or wood to hold. It works the bottom and is peaceful toward other fish, so pair it with active midwater species that enjoy the same brisk, cool conditions. Feed it as a grazer: algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and driftwood to rasp, with some sinking pellets and light protein. Provide stone, wood, strong flow, and a tank of around 250 liters.

In the wild

Lasiancistrus heteracanthus lives in the cool, fast rivers of the upper Amazon foothills in Ecuador and Peru, including the Napo and its neighbours, clinging to rock and wood in oxygen-rich flow. Recreate that with smooth stone, driftwood, and strong current over sand. Keep the water on the cooler side for a pleco, 23 to 27 C, and around pH 6.0 to 7.2, and avoid letting the pH drop too low. High oxygen and steady movement suit this foothill grazer.

Good to know

Lasiancistrus heteracanthus belongs to Loricariidae and reaches about 18 centimeters, tan with fine spots and a rust-tinted tail that gives the trade name. The genus name means shaggy Ancistrus, after its growths of odontodes, and mature males develop soft, whisker-like bristles on the cheeks and snout. Breeding is of moderate difficulty and follows the cave-spawning pattern of its relatives, with the male tending the eggs.

Did you know

Mature males grow soft, feathery odontodes across the cheeks and snout, less like a beard than a fringe of fine plumage. The genus name simply means shaggy Ancistrus, in honour of those bristles.

Tank mates

Red tail lasiancistrus is a peaceful, solitary species that keeps to the bottom. These picks match on water type, temperature, pH, size and temperament.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a Red tail lasiancistrus need?

A Red tail lasiancistrus needs at least 66 gal (250 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH do Red tail lasiancistrus need?

Red tail lasiancistrus are comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.2.

How big do Red tail lasiancistrus get?

An adult Red tail lasiancistrus reaches about 7.1 in (18 cm).

Where to buy

Some links may not be the exact species or variety.

…or ask your local fish store.

Appears in

Freshwater fish · Plecos · Community fish · Bottom dwellers

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