L011 Red Fin Thresher Pleco (Squaliforma emarginata) – Brazil
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For the safety of our animals, we now ship live fish exclusively via UPS Next Day Air. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS Next Day Air as a shipping option during checkout.
The Red Fin Thresher Pleco L011 is a commanding Amazonian species defined by structure and contrast. Its elongated body, sculpted profile, and striking red-edged fins give it a refined but powerful presence. Unlike smaller algae-grazing plecos, Squaliforma emarginata carries weight and authority—best appreciated in larger aquariums built around wood, stone, and intentional flow.
Collected from Brazil, this species rewards aquarists who value natural form, river-inspired layouts, and long-term growth planning.
What We Love About This Fish
• Distinctive Red Fin Accents: Subtle yet bold coloration that intensifies in stable conditions.
• Strong Structural Presence: A pleco that anchors the lower zones of large aquariums.
• Amazonian Lineage: Authentic Brazilian species with regional identity.
• Hardy and Adaptable: Thrives in well-maintained, properly filtered systems.
Quick Care Guidelines
• Temperature: 75°–82°F (24°–28°C)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• KH: 2–10 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (larger recommended for adults)
• Diet: Primarily herbivorous with omnivorous tendencies; provide high-quality algae wafers, vegetable matter, and occasional protein supplementation.
• Social Behavior: Generally peaceful but territorial toward other plecos, especially in confined spaces.
• Community Tank Suitable: With Caution – Best housed with medium to large peaceful species; avoid highly aggressive tank mates.
• Shrimp Safe: Not Recommended – May consume shrimp, particularly smaller individuals.
• Origin: Collected – Brazil
• Average Adult Size: 12–14 inches (30–35 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm)
Squaliforma emarginata originates from Brazilian river systems within the Amazon basin. These habitats feature moderate to strong flow, submerged wood, rocky structure, and seasonal water fluctuations. The species is adapted to structured riverbeds with ample hiding zones and access to biofilm and organic matter.
This species performs best in aquariums designed around stability, structure, and floor space.
Plants:
Use hardy plants attached to wood or stone such as Anubias, Java Fern, and Bolbitis. Avoid delicate foreground plants, as larger plecos may dislodge them during movement.
Hardscape:
Driftwood is essential. Incorporate large branching wood and stable rock formations to create caves and shaded retreats. Ensure all structures are secure, as adult specimens grow powerful and may shift loose decor.
Botanicals:
Aquatic Arts–branded botanicals such as Indian Almond Leaves and Catappa Bark add natural texture and mild tannins. While not required, they enhance ecosystem complexity and encourage biofilm growth.
The Red Fin Thresher Pleco benefits from a varied diet that includes algae wafers, sinking vegetable-based foods, blanched zucchini, and occasional protein sources such as shrimp-based pellets. Driftwood should always be present to support natural grazing behavior and digestive health.
Best suited for larger community aquariums with robust tetras, larger rasboras, peaceful cichlids, and other midwater species. Avoid housing multiple large plecos in confined spaces unless the aquarium provides ample territory and hiding areas.
Not recommended for shrimp aquariums. While not an active predator, this species may opportunistically consume shrimp, especially juveniles.
Rarely bred in home aquariums due to size and environmental requirements. In nature, spawning typically occurs in secluded cavities within riverbanks or submerged structures.
How large does the Red Fin Thresher Pleco L011 grow?
Adult specimens typically reach 12–14 inches in length and require appropriately sized aquariums.
Is the Red Fin Thresher Pleco good for beginner aquarists?
It is best suited for intermediate to experienced hobbyists due to its size and space requirements.
Does the Red Fin Thresher Pleco eat algae?
It will graze on algae and biofilm but requires supplemental vegetable-based foods for proper nutrition.
Can Red Fin Thresher Plecos live together?
They may become territorial toward other plecos, particularly in smaller aquariums.
Are Red Fin Thresher Plecos aggressive?
They are generally peaceful toward other species but can defend territory against similar bottom-dwelling fish.
Is driftwood necessary?
Yes, driftwood supports natural grazing behavior and digestive health.
Can this pleco live with cichlids?
It can coexist with peaceful to moderately assertive cichlids in sufficiently large aquariums.
Are they safe with shrimp?
They are not recommended for shrimp tanks.
What tank size is required?
A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended, with larger aquariums preferred for adults.
Do they uproot plants?
Large individuals may dislodge delicate plants; secure hardscape and use hardy plant species.
For the safety of our animals, we only ship live fish, crabs, and select other inverts exclusively via UPS 1 Day Air. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS 1 Day Air as a shipping option during checkout. If other items are in your cart that can ship with 2 day or standard shipping options the only shipping method you can still select is UPS 1 Day Air.
UPS 1 Day is a description of the duration of time a shipment will spend in transit once it has been shipped. This does not guarantee the package will be shipped the same or next day from which the order was placed.
Shipping Schedule for this service
Current Handling Time:
1-9 business days
Here at Aquatic Arts, we consider the welfare of the live animals we are shipping to be of the foremost importance. This process is much more involved than simply creating a shipping label and affixing it to a box. Depending on the order, it takes from 4 to 7 people to complete this process properly. We check the weather conditions here where they fly out of the Indianapolis UPS facility and the destination for each shipment. We start early each morning and go through a multi-step process to have the day's shipments prepared in time for the UPS pickup. The volume of orders in our system also affects the processing time. Therefore our stated handling time is 1-9 business days.
Shipping Rate
Pricing is by size of package needed to fill entire order and distance it must travel. It will be calculated at checkout.
