More info
Panaque nigrolineatus (Royal Panaque)
Common Names: Royal Panaque, Royal Pleco, Red Eyed Pleco, L190
Location: South America, primarily in the Orinoco River basin and the Llanos regions of Colombia and Venezuela.
Compatibility
The Panaque nigrolineatus can be territorial and aggressive towards its own species and similar fish, but it is generally peaceful. It is suitable for community aquariums, including show tanks with sensitive fish like Angelfish or Discus, as well as with more robust species such as cichlids, stingrays, and arowanas. This fish tends to be more active at night and will become more sociable over time, potentially even recognizing its owner.
Diet
This sucker-mouth catfish is a wood-eater, requiring pieces of driftwood for feeding. In addition to wood, it can be fed vegetables (peas, cucumber, lettuce, zucchini, eggplant, carrot, sweet pepper, spinach, yam) and spirulina pellets. It also accepts protein-rich foods like frozen food, sinking wafers, and shrimp. It's important to offer these foods sparingly to avoid digestive issues.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 22-30°C
- pH: 5.5-7.5
A spacious aquarium with soft lighting, plenty of driftwood, and hiding places (plants and rocks) is ideal for this impressive freshwater fish. Juveniles can be temporarily kept in smaller aquariums (60-80 cm), but adults require larger tanks (minimum of 150x60 cm) to ensure adequate space.
Maximum Size
Up to 60 cm.
Additional Comments
The Panaque nigrolineatus is part of a group of similar fish found in tropical South America. The L190 is considered potentially the same as the true Panaque nigrolineatus, but further scientific research is needed for confirmation.
