LDA028 Panaque Pleco (Panaqolus cf. nocturnus)

Remarks:  The LDA028 panaque pleco (Panaqolus cf. nocturnus), also known as the Peru orange longtail panaque, is one whose exact ID and species is still under scrutiny where it even has a second L-number it has been labelled under, LDA027. Currently, they are believed to be either a locality or subspecies of the L329 dusky panaque (Panaqolus nocturnus), but this is still up for review.

  An attractive feature of the LDA028 panaque pleco is that it is very variable in regards to appearance. At times, it can be a solid dark, charcoal gray while other times it can have lighter gray striations be present in both the body and fins. Sometimes, these striations take on an orange or gold hue adding a nice flash of color. However, what usually draws most to this elegant species are the long, flowing streamers that extend from the tips of their caudal (tail) fin. While the LDA028 panaque pleco is known to be rather robust, these extensions are very delicate so caution should be taken when choosing tankmates as some fish may try to nip their fins.

  Currently, the LDA028 panaque pleco is known to specifically occur in the Pastaza River basins as well as the upper Napo drainage in Peru. These areas have heavy flow providing high amounts of dissolved oxygen as well as lots of submerged wood for these plecos to graze on like others in their genus. To thrive, LDA028 panaque pleco will need to be provided both of these things as well as plenty of space as they are one of the largest of their genus, typically growing to about six inches in length. They are fairly docile but can be territorial to conspecifics so if keeping more than one, be sure to provide plenty of extra space and caves to ease any territorial aggression. LDA028 panaque plecos are known to eat plants as well so we do not recommend keeping them in planted aquariums.

  Like other Loricariids that are frequently called "wood-eaters," when the LDA028 panaque pleco grazes on driftwood, they are not actually digesting the wood. Instead, these herbivore leaning omnivores are actually digesting the microbes, fungi, algae, and other things living in and on the surface of the wood. So, while they should be provided lots of driftwood to graze on, LDA028 panaque plecos should not be expected to subsist only on this and should be fed like any other fish. Fresh vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, and sweet potatoes along with prepared foods like algae wafers are all great choices to feed them. Also like other "wood-eaters," their grazing habits result in lots of waste production. To combat their high waste production and keep their water pristine, it is recommended to provide the LDA028 panaque pleco with heavy aeration, over-filtration, and frequent water changes.

  With the right care and environment, the LDA028 panaque pleco is an excellent and unique addition to the aquarium. They make fantastic members of a community tank of medium-large sized fish that share similar water parameters such as in a South American cichlid community tank.