Source: Wikimedia Commons
Royal Pleco
IntermediatePanaque nigrolineatus
A large pleco with dark longitudinal stripes on a grey ground and red eyes. It is one of the few fishes that can rasp and digest wood, so driftwood is food rather than decoration. Adults exceed 40cm and need a roomy tank with well-oxygenated water.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
22〜26℃
Lifespan
10-18 years
Size
35-43cm
Diet
Driftwood, algae, vegetables and sinking vegetable-based wafers
About
Panaque nigrolineatus is a large loricariid catfish of Orinoco and Amazon tributaries and the type species of the genus Panaque. It was described in 1877 as Chaetostomus nigrolineatus and moved to the new genus Panaque in 1889. Dark grey longitudinal stripes run over a light grey body, the eyes are red and the dorsal fin is edged with cream or gold. FishBase records 43cm standard length. It is one of the very few fishes able to digest wood, which it does with the help of symbiotic gut bacteria, and it also feeds on algae and roots. FishBase gives pH 6.5-7.5, 2-15dH and 22-26C. It is nocturnal, hides during the day and is territorial, so each fish needs its own resting place. Imported juveniles often arrive undernourished and take dedicated care to recover. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Royal Pleco
The Royal Pleco lives 10-18 years.
Size of the Royal Pleco
The Royal Pleco grows to 35-43cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Royal Pleco
The ideal temperature for the Royal Pleco is 22〜26℃.
Basic Info
Origin
South America (Orinoco and Amazon basins in Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela)
Lifespan
10-18 years
Care Specifications
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Panaque nigrolineatus (Peters, 1877)
Synonyms: Chaetostomus nigrolineatus
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Royal Pleco Listings
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