Blue-eyed Pleco
Panaque cochliodon
Also known as: Blue-eyed Pleco, L239 (alternate usage), Blue-eyed Panaque
Origin: Colombia, Venezuela
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Max Size
- 60 cm
- Min Tank
- 500 L
- Lifespan
- 15-20
- Swimming Level
- bottom
- Schooling
- No
- Diet
- herbivore
- Temperament
- aggressive toward conspecifics and large bottom dwellers
About
Panaque cochliodon is one of the largest loricariids regularly available in the hobby, capable of reaching 60 cm in large aquariums. Its most distinctive feature is its striking blue to grey-blue eyes set in a large, dark grey-brown armoured body. Like all Panaque it requires driftwood as a dietary staple and produces very heavy waste.
Care Guide
Water: 22–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderate; very strong filtration essential. Tank: Minimum 500L; extremely large driftwood pieces; heavily built hardscape. Feeding: Xylophage; large driftwood required; algae wafers and large blanched vegetables. Behaviour: Nocturnal; very territorial toward other large catfish; powerful enough to move rocks. Compatibility: Only with very large, robust fish; not suitable for community aquariums.
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