Royal Pleco L010a

Panaque nigrolineatus L010a is the classic form of the Royal Pleco, one of the most immediately recognisable large plecos in the hobby. Originating from the fast-flowing rocky reaches of the Orinoco system in Venezuela and Colombia, it sports dramatic dark-and-pale alternating stripes, vivid red eyes, and an impressive tall dorsal fin. Like all Panaque, it possesses spoon-shaped teeth specifically adapted for rasping and digesting cellulose from driftwood.

This species requires a spacious aquarium of at least 300 L with significant quantities of driftwood for rasping and hiding. The constant production of woody waste means robust filtration is non-negotiable. Although primarily herbivorous, it benefits from occasional protein supplementation. It will eat and damage soft-leaved plants.

The Royal Pleco is territorial toward conspecifics and similarly shaped plecos, and should be kept singly or in very large tanks with ample space. It is otherwise peaceful toward unrelated fish and poses no threat to fast-moving community species.

Water: 23–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard; strong filtration essential due to wood-rasping waste output. Tank: Minimum 300 L; large quantities of driftwood for rasping, caves for shelter, no delicate plants. Feeding: Wood rasper; supplement with sinking algae wafers, Repashy Soilent Green, blanched vegetables, and occasional meaty foods. Breeding: Cave spawner; rarely bred in captivity; requires very large, stable setups with ample territory. Compatibility: Territorial toward conspecifics and similar plecos; peaceful with unrelated community fish.