Panaqolus Alenquer Tiger Red L397 (Panaqolus sp. L397)

This striking small pleco originates from the Lower Amazon in Brazil, around Alenquer and the Rio Curuá-Una, where it's found sheltering among waterlogged wood and rock crevices in warm, well-oxygenated water.

It displays vivid orange-red banding alternating with black stripes, giving it one of the most eye-catching patterns of any pleco in the hobby.

Like other Panaque-type species, it's a genuine wood-eater, using its sucker mouth to rasp biofilm and wood fibre from driftwood, so driftwood should always be available in the aquarium as a core part of its diet.

Its compact adult size makes it a practical choice compared to larger pleco species, and it's generally peaceful, though males can become territorial towards one another if space and hiding spots are limited.

Care

• Fish size: up to 13cm

• Tank size: 115 litres minimum

• Temperature: 25-30℃

• pH: 6.0-7.5

• Filtration: strong filtration with moderate current and good oxygenation

• Diet: driftwood is essential, alongside algae wafers, sinking pellets and blanched vegetables.

Sexual Differences

Mature males develop elongated, tooth-like projections along their pectoral fins, which females lack.