Dull-eyed Royal Pleco - Panaque sp. L191
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Details
The Dull-eyed Royal Pleco (Panaque sp., L191) resembled the popular Royal Pleco (P. nigrolineatus) with its olive-green body and black stripes. This species, however, does not have the red or orange eyes associated with the Royal Pleco; the eyes on this species are grey and darken with age. Juveniles may also have white tips on their fins and a white or clear tail. As with other Panaque plecos, they also eat wood as part of their diet and driftwood or bogwood should be provided as part of the aquarium decor.
The fish commonly known as "plecos" come from the family Loricariidae, also known as the "armored catfish". They include fish from the genera Ancistrus, Baryancistrus, Chaetostoma, Hypostomus, Leporacanthicus, Panaque, Peckoltia, Pseudancistrus and many others. They are known to many as "suckerfish" due to the shape of their body and mouth and are often sold as algae-eaters even though many of them eat little algae. In addition to the two-part scientific names used for all living things, plecos also have their own naming system that identifies them by "L-number" or "LDA-number". Though this is not an "official" naming method, it is popular among hobbyists and collectors.
Plecos are generally flattened with a large, round head and skinnier body. The body is covered by hard plates and many have strong spines in their fins and even along the body. The mouths are on the underside of the fish and are used to rasp food from hard surfaces and to help the pleco maintain its position in the water flow.
Plecos are commonly purchased by new and experienced aquarists alike as algae-eaters; most plecos do not eat algae or need other foods in their diet as well. The genera Ancistrus, Peckoltia and Otocinclus are a few common, smaller plecos that will help control algae without eating live plants. Many others are omnivores (eat both plant matter and meaty foods), carnivores (primarily eat meaty foods) or scavengers (eat whatever they can find). Some plecos, notably those from the Panaque genus, even eat wood as part of their diet and wood should be provided as part of the aquarium decor.
Many plecos also get very large and their size as well as their waste production make them unsuitable for small aquariums. The very common Trinidad Pleco/Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) grows close to two feet in length. As with any other tank residents, choose plecos carefully with respect to their size, behavior and diet.
Specifications
Specifications | |
MPN | 1013-pleco |
Manufacturer | That Fish Place |
Common Name | Dull-eyed Royal Pleco |
Scientific Name | Panaque sp. L191 |
Origin | South America |
Max Size (in inches) | 20 |
Community Safe | Yes, with caution |
pH Range | 6.8-7.6 |
Diet | Omnivore (equal plants and meat), wood |
Min Tank Size (in gallons) | 200 |
Temperature Range | 74-80 |
Difficulty | Moderate |
Internal Id | 39030 |
State Restrictions |
Alaska |
Armed Forces Americas |
Armed Forces Europe |
Armed Forces Pacific |
California |
Hawaii |
Puerto Rico |