Royal Panaque L190 5"

🐠 Species Overview

• Scientific name: Panaque nigrolineatus (L‑190)
• Common names: Royal Pleco, Royal Panaque, Red‑Eyed Pleco, Watermelon Pleco
• Native region: Orinoco and Amazon basins of Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil

🧩 Appearance & Size

• Bold pale/cream zig‑zag or horizontal stripes on a dark grey–brown armored body; red‑orange eyes; large paddle‑shaped fins
• Can grow up to 40–60 cm (16–24 in) in the wild; typical upper range is about 43 cm (17 in)

⚙️ Tank Requirements

• Minimum adult tank: ~300 L (≈80 gal); bigger is better, like 125+ gal (150×60 cm)
• Water parameters:
• Temperature: 22–30 °C (72–86 °F)
• pH: 6.5–7.5, slightly soft to neutral water
• Filtration & oxygenation: Needs strong filtration and good water flow due to heavy waste production

🌳 Diet & Feeding

• Obligate xylophage: consumes driftwood for digestion, assisted by symbiotic bacteria
• Supplemental foods: algae wafers, spirulina pellets, blanched vegetables (e.g., zucchini, cucumber, peas), occasional protein foods like shrimp—feed sparingly to avoid digestive issues
• Feeding schedule: Primarily nocturnal—best fed in the evening/night

🏠 Behavior & Compatibility

• Generally peaceful with community fish, but territorial toward bottom-dwellers, especially its own species
• Prefers ample hiding spots—caves, driftwood, shade zones—to minimize aggression
• Suited to tanks with large, calm fish (e.g., discus, angelfish, calm cichlids); avoid mixing with competitive bottom-feeders

🛠️ Care & Maintenance Tips

🧬 Lifespan & Reproduction

• Can live over 15–20 years in good conditions
• Breeding in captivity is rare—egg-layers guarding in driftwood or caves; sexing possible via genital papilla differences

🧭 Final Thoughts

The L‑190 Royal Panaque is a stunning, unique xylophage that thrives in well-maintained large aquaria. To keep one healthy and happy, provide:

• Spacious setup with lots of driftwood & hiding spots
• Strong filtration, consistent water quality, and gentle lighting
• Nocturnal feeding habits with wood + veggie supplements
• Careful tankmate selection to prevent stress and competition

With the right environment, this majestic pleco can become a long‐lived, fascinating centerpiece in your tank.

💬 Let me know if you’d like guidance on sourcing driftwood, choosing suitable tankmates, or setting up optimal filtration 😊