Brownish catfish with sharp spines and large dorsal and tail fins.

Spotted cactus pleco

Pseudacanthicus spinosus
Where at Shedd?
Amazon Rising
Diet Algae, plant debris, small crustaceans and insect larvae
Size Length: Up to 18 inches (46 cm)
Type Fishes
Range Brazil
Habitat Freshwaters of the Amazon River basin of Brazil

Did you know?

  1. How does a fish get a name like “pincushion?” From the sharp spines along its back and tail fins.
  2. This subfamily of catfish is primarily active at night, preferring to hide during the day in woody and rocky areas.
  3. All the world’s catfishes are divided into over 30 different families. Armored catfish are the largest family.
  4. These fish belong to the catfish family suckermouths. They use their mouths to attach to rocks, which prevents them from being washed away.