The Leopard Cactus Pleco is primarily nocturnal, but will often become active during daytime hours once established in an aquarium with plenty of driftwood, rockwork, and other hiding places. It is not an effective algae eater. It is not known to eat wood like some plecos (Panaque sp., etc.), but it may benefit from some supplementary wood (or bio-film and algae on driftwood). The Leopard Cactus Pleco will not eat ornamental plants, but it might inadvertently destroy delicate plants with its movement as an adult. Feed the Leopard Cactus Pleco a diet of meaty live, frozen, and dry foods as well as vegetables such as shelled peas, spinach, zucchini and cucumber. It will also eat some fruits and boiled potatoes.