Description

🐟 Royal Pleco (Panaque nigrolineatus)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Panaque nigrolineatus

• Family: Loricariidae

• Origin: South America (Amazon & Orinoco River Basins)

• Size: 14 – 17 inches (35 – 43 cm)

• Lifespan: 10 – 15 years

• Tank Zone: Bottom dweller

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 100 – 250 ppm

• pH: 6.5 – 7.5

• Temperature: 24 – 30°C (75 – 86°F)

• Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Known for its bold black-and-white striped body and strong armored plates.

• Unique among plecos because it is a “wood-eating” species – needs driftwood in diet.

• Very hardy and grows quite large, best suited for big tanks.

• Peaceful but territorial with other large bottom dwellers.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivore (with strong preference for wood & vegetables).

• Diet: Driftwood (essential for digestion), zucchini, cucumber, peas, algae wafers, spirulina pellets, occasional shrimp or bloodworms.

• Feeding: Once daily; fresh veggies should be removed after 24 hrs.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 120 gallons (due to large size).

• Filtration: Powerful filter, as they produce a lot of waste.

• Decor: Provide driftwood (must-have), rocks, and hiding caves.

• Water Change: 25–40% weekly to keep water clean.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: Usually kept singly due to size and space needs.

• Tank Mates: Large peaceful fish like Silver Dollars, Severums, Oscars, Geophagus, large Tetras, and Clown Loaches.

• Avoid: Small fish (may get hurt), aggressive large cichlids, or multiple large plecos (territorial).

✅ Do’s

• Provide plenty of driftwood (both food & shelter).

• Ensure strong filtration (they are heavy eaters & messy).

• Keep them in large aquariums only.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep in tanks under 100 gallons.

• Don’t house with overly aggressive fish.

• Don’t forget driftwood – it’s essential for survival.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Royal Plecos are majestic, hardy, and eye-catching with their striped patterns.

• Perfect for large freshwater aquariums with other medium-to-large peaceful fish.

• Known as one of the few true wood-eating plecos – driftwood is a must!