Description
Scarlet Cactus Pleco (L25) – A Fiery Giant with Armored Grace
The Scarlet Cactus Pleco (L25) is one of the most breathtaking and prized plecos in the aquarium world. Known for its intense red to scarlet-orange fins and heavily armored, dark body, this pleco is both powerful in appearance and rare in availability. Its vibrant coloration and rugged form make it a true showstopper and a crown jewel in any large tank.
Native to the Rio Tocantins in Brazil, the L25 requires a spacious, well-oxygenated aquarium with strong current, large rocks, and caves to mirror its natural riverbed habitat. It is primarily carnivorous and thrives on a diet rich in protein. Though typically peaceful with mid- and top-dwelling fish, it can be territorial with other bottom dwellers.
Key Features:
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L-number: L25
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Common Name: Scarlet Cactus Pleco
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Coloration: Dark, spiny body with vivid scarlet to orange-red fins
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Temperament: Semi-aggressive with similar species; peaceful with non-bottom-dwelling tank mates
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Size: Reaches 12–15 inches
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Tank Requirements: Minimum 120 gallons with strong filtration, high flow, and plenty of hiding spaces
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Diet: Carnivorous—requires a high-protein diet including sinking pellets, shrimp, mussels, and occasional algae wafers
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Compatibility: Best with large, peaceful fish; avoid small or fragile species
The Scarlet Cactus Pleco (L25) is not just a fish—it's a statement. Bold, rare, and strikingly beautiful, it’s ideal for experienced aquarists looking to add an elite, centerpiece species to their freshwater collection.
Click & Collect
Livestock will only be bagged once you arrive, or if you contact us in advance to request it ready beforehand.
Local Delivery
Order anything from our in-store range and have it delivered right to you.
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Minimum spend: £50
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Delivery up to 10 miles: £10
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Delivery up to 25 miles: £20
Distances are measured “as the crow flies”, not by road.
Once your order is placed, we’ll be in touch to arrange a suitable delivery date and time.
Please note, delivery may take a little longer as we often group orders together to build an efficient delivery run.
Important: If you’re ordering a large aquarium, please ensure someone is available to help unload the van on arrival.
Dry Goods Delivery
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DPD Next Day: 1 working day (order before 12 noon)
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DX Next Day (Heavy Items & Small Aquariums): 1 working day (order before 12 noon)
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Express Pallet: 1–3 working days
If you'd like to add more items to an existing order that hasn't yet been dispatched, please place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to combine the orders.
Please note: We currently only dispatch parcels Wednesday to Friday.
Pre-Order
Want the full details? Check out our Terms & Conditions.
Livestock Delivery
Thursday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Wednesday afternoon
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Delivered Thursday before 1pm
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Order by Wednesday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Friday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Thursday afternoon
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Delivered Friday before 1pm
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Order by Thursday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Saturday Delivery – £29
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Dispatched Friday afternoon
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Delivered Saturday before 1pm
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Order by Friday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
📦 Want to Add to an Existing Order?
No problem! Just place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to link it with your original one (as long as it hasn’t been dispatched yet).
🛒 Dry Goods Now Included!
You can now include dry goods in your livestock delivery – perfect for topping up supplies in one go.
❄️ Please note: We can’t send frozen food with livestock – please order frozen items separately.
⚠️ Delivery Exclusions
Unfortunately, we’re unable to deliver livestock to the following postcodes:
Scotland & Isles:
AB30–AB56, DD8–DD10, DG3–DG9, DG12–DG14, FK17–FK21, KA18–KA19, KA26–KA30, PA20–PA38, PA80, PH3–PH40
Cornwall Isles: TR21–TR25
All of the following postcodes are excluded:
BT, HS, IM, IV, JE, KW
Plus Channel Islands and Shetland Islands
Payment & Security
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