Panaque nigrolineatus • Loricariidae • Cat-eLog

Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name	**Panaque nigrolineatus** (Peters, 1877)
Common Name(s)	L190, Royal Pleco
Type Locality	Calabozo, Venezuela.
Synonym(s)	Chaetostomus nigrolineatus
Pronunciation	pan ah KAY - nih GRO lin e AT us
Etymology	The generic epithet "panaque" is a Venezuelan common name for this fish. nigro = black; lineatus = lines or stripes alluding to the fishes black stripes.
Species Information
Size	340mm (13.4") SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification	The genus Panaque is identified by the teeth, which are spoon-shaped. This means that the teeth are noticeably wider at the tip than at the base. Other loricariidae have teeth that are similar width all the way from one end to the other. A second distinguishing feature is the lack of a buccal papilla, which is a "flap of skin" on the inside of the mouth. See pictures in this PDF on Pterygoplichthys. These fish are imported in all sizes and in a number of colour forms. Interestingly the colour of the eye varies from bright orange to dull red. Although described from Venezuelan material, the colour forms that have given rise to L027 are from different locations such as the Rio Tocantins, Xingú and Tapajos, Brazil. It appears that the juveniles of Brazilian populations have solid or plain as opposed to barred caudal fin rays. So, a juvenile with barred caudal fin rays is from Colombian or Venezuelan stock.
Sexing	Undocumented, although with most ancistrine plecos the genital papilla of the female is round and blunt, that of the male by comparison is smaller and pointed. It is not known at what size this method of sexing can be used on Royal Plecos.
Habitat Information
Distribution	Wide distribution range from Colombia and Venezuela to South Central Amazon basin. Amazon, Lower Amazon (click on these areas to find other species found there) Amazon, Middle Amazon (Solimoes) (click on these areas to find other species found there) Orinoco (click on these areas to find other species found there) Orinoco, Middle Orinoco, Apure, Guarico (click on these areas to find other species found there) (Click the map-icon to show/hide map of species distribution)
pH	6.5 - 7.5
Temperature	22.0-30.0°C or 71.6-86°F (Show others within this range)
Husbandry Information
Feeding	Classic ''pleco diet'' of greens. Can be acclimatized onto most vegetables; tinned peas seem a favourite. The fish also appear to eat bogwood. Some prepared foods should also be offered to supplement this diet.
Furniture	Bogwood is essential - both for dietary reasons and because it seems to be the Royal Pleco's preferred hide-out - although any suitably sized dark refuge will be utilized. When larger, Royal Plecos will re-arrange the tank to their own liking; ensure rocks are well secured and cannot be toppled against the glass.
Compatibility	Territorial with conspecifics and other similarly sized catfish although otherwise peaceful with smaller fish. This fish can be a fussy feeder and only once it is feeding well should be mixed with large, boisterous fish.
Suggested Tankmates	Most community fish, this fish is very secretive and so you will want more active fish around to provide something to watch.
Breeding	No published information exists, but I have heard that the fish has been spawned in captivity using some form of tube in a large tank (approx. 125 US Gallons). A false dry season of two weeks (low, warm, still water) was used. Then the tank was topped off with cooler rainwater (refilling about 80%). Lots of meaty and veggie foods were offered. The pair spawned within days.
Further Information
References	Monatsb. Akad. Wiss. Berlin 1877 - pp471 - Unnumbered pl. following p. 556. Aqualog shows a number of colour variations. L027a (commonly known as the watermelon pleco or L330) is the spotted variety, L027b is the olive green variety and L027c is the golden variety. Whether or not these are distinct species or not remains unknown.
Registered Keepers	(1) Kostas, (2) Persephone, (3) Lornek8, (4) lcpete, (5) guillermo racines, (6) soltarii007, (7) synoguy, (8) azfisher (k: 2), (9) stinger, (10) Blue (k: 2), (11) Freakdaddy, (12) nettaigyo, (13) nmonks, (14) HylaChristine (p: 7), (15) Only enemy of the state (k: 2), (16) killerklown, (17) Slimlim, (18) einstein-a-go-go, (19) yogi69, who also notes: "about 3"", (20) Cyberbob, (21) Zigismund, (22) helshøj, (23) firenzenz (k: 2), who also notes: "Male is a couple of years old. Recently acquired another", (24) Plecofanatic1989, (25) irshprncsk, (26) krzys, (27) chillired (p: 2), (28) FuglyDragon, (29) steelhead99, (30) loloveto, (31) LUISGOREY, (32) johnny70, (33) Bahney, (34) Loracidlover, (35) diggerfreek, (36) wesman, (37) lewishan, (38) SoCalDiscus, (39) Plunt (k: 2), (40) briggadane (k: 2), (41) jiapei, (42) aledk85, (43) jopbgon, (44) JohnB, who also notes: "Found off Craigslist after previous owners tank busted. It will like its new 70 gallon tank to himself. ", (45) mickywelsh, (46) River Dog, (47) koter73, (48) eliy7 (p: 2), (49) Tenzin, (50) 78bill, (51) doodle, (52) cathje (k: 2), (53) KnaveTO, (54) Joeytoe, (55) HeadHunter, (56) fleahound, (57) a2fishguy, (58) Carp37, who also notes: "Juvenile now slightly over 3" long. This is the only plec I've got that is bright enough to remove apple snails from cucumber/courgette.", (59) nvcichlids (k: 5), who also notes: "Kept in my 125 gallon SA cichlid tank", (60) tvwav, (61) lighting (p: 2), (62) PlecoCrazy, (63) thejudgement, (64) oscarlover, (65) José Maria, (66) upc239 (p: 3, k: 3), who also notes: "This guy is getting huge. Eating shrimp pellets and algae waffers. Also eats Zuchinni. Beautiful pleco..This one is not aggressive towards other plecos, but this may be because he's much b igger than the rest.", (67) hboute, (68) kabaltah, (69) robt18, (70) Jackie, (71) royaldragoness, (72) gille, (73) he that is i, (74) omendey, (75) Krib, (76) nowhereman (p: 2, k: 3), (77) Altifrons, (78) fishkeeper, (79) dddolphin, (80) Wraith, who also notes: "A rescue that I got from the LFS. Guessing he/she is about 1 yr but is only 8cm. When the LFS got it off of the original owners, it's fins were completely gone but have partially grown back. Keeping in my fry tank and seems to be doing well.", (81) judeblackburn (k: 2), (82) dr_philatelist, (83) b.price, (84) jprp, (85) ewurm, (86) wschug, (87) matthewfaulkner (p: 2, k: 6), (88) Back, who also notes: "Have had 3.", (89) d3n2, (90) lethalcustoms00, (91) fishman, (92) dannyrawlins (p: 2), (93) SHEAG35 (k: 2), (94) 2wheelsx2, (95) JRS, who also notes: "Likes parboiled broccoli stems", (96) Neri2495 (p: 2), (97) Blackhawker, (98) Ullopincrate, (99) coelacanth, (100) keen-eyed, (101) joemc, (102) EHEIM~ADDICT, (103) kaleidoskope, (104) Hitch, (105) sterlingtjones, (106) cory777 (p: 2), (107) ichtyophile (k: 2), (108) Armyngmike1982, (109) marangmic, (110) oli (k: 2), (111) scleropages (p: 2, k: 4), (112) Daniel_yeo, (113) Nanu156, (114) mrfishydude (p: 2, k: 4), who also notes: "All healthy, beautiful (better than the pics), and active, ranging from 3-4.5". Love driftwood, but also clean glass and rock surfaces, as well as the intake strainer on the back filter. love it!", (115) brechtvh, (116) electrophyste, (117) salvador60, (118) barry555, (119) smitty (p: 2, k: 3), (120) arthos, who also notes: "about 300mm / 11.8 inch. It's a dirty monster!", (121) wimmels, (122) Bisclavret, (123) FrankNL, (124) alasia, (125) Steen, (126) David R (p: 2, k: 5), (127) sfchoong, (128) adrisdad, (129) allim, (130) plecomanpat, (131) hankinswood, (132) excuzzzeme, (133) xander, (134) SHEAG (k: 3), (135) Matt30, (136) arapaimag, (137) Fevz, (138) Starfish42, who also notes: "I've been told this fish cannot compete with clown loaches and pictus catfish as it will hide away and not feed. Well, nobody seems to have told the fish! Definitely the boss fish in my tank.", (139) Dan101, (140) cdc069, (141) Martin Holm, (142) fleshwound, (143) Seagirt, who also notes: "Sits around and eats her wood all day. Pretty fish.", (144) nnpnnp (k: 2), (145) tomr, (146) tiffanyjayne, (147) 2poc, (148) Thomas W, (149) snike, (150) Copp81, (151) fester, (152) aeonone87, (153) Catfish freak, (154) tagamasid1023 (p: 2, k: 2), who also notes: "This panaque is very territorial! It is very aggressive towards my slightly smaller L190. Sometimes, it tends to "attack and bump" Oscars that are being too close to it, especially during feeding time. It also produces lots of waste because it consumes lots of wood. Nevertheless, this beautiful and aggressive panaque is always a thrill to watch.", (155) mikebren12, (156) chrisblackwirral, (157) gforcefx, (158) richb, (159) henward, (160) transporter42, (161) oneoddfish, (162) nedara, (163) mdwflyer, (164) Lframe, (165) rosswell, (166) browny85, (167) plecolee (p: 2), (168) Blackguard, (169) HERVE, (170) slimrs, (171) eyal8a (k: 5), (172) sterna, (173) Michael_Wanga, (174) huskerdad, (175) darryl180 (k: 2), (176) urison (k: 2), (177) Fruityscone, (178) Bellady, (179) elephant, (180) kawa85, (181) m1ke715m, (182) Iiriva, (183) jabones, (184) Mark Panaque (k: 2), (185) freddynietzsche, (186) MrDimmu, (187) sem87, (188) ElTofi, who also notes: "This one didn't stand the acclimatation phase... I guess the remove from his home tank (23Â°C) to his new home, even with an acclimatation on 2 hours, has been too much... found dead this morning after only 10 hours", (189) kitbuilder, (190) Goodeid608, (191) Nobettername, (192) ThomasTheFish, (193) DOLEMITE, (194) GhostArcher, (195) uaru, (196) cjerrom, (197) chaim76, (198) citizencurt. Click on a username above to see all that persons registered catfish species. You can also view all "my cats" data for this species.
Breeding Reports	None.
Articles	- CotM 1999 May
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Last Update	2007 May 22 06:51 (species record created: 2001 May 05 00:00)

Cat-eLog Data Sheet

Scientific Name

Panaque nigrolineatus (Peters, 1877)

Common Name(s)

L190, Royal Pleco

Type Locality

Calabozo, Venezuela.

Synonym(s)

Chaetostomus nigrolineatus

Pronunciation

pan ah KAY - nih GRO lin e AT us

Etymology

The generic epithet "panaque" is a Venezuelan common name for this fish. nigro = black; lineatus = lines or stripes alluding to the fishes black stripes.

Species Information

Size

340mm (13.4") SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.

Identification

The genus Panaque is identified by the teeth, which are spoon-shaped. This means that the teeth are noticeably wider at the tip than at the base. Other loricariidae have teeth that are similar width all the way from one end to the other.
A second distinguishing feature is the lack of a buccal papilla, which is a "flap of skin" on the inside of the mouth. See pictures in this PDF on Pterygoplichthys.

These fish are imported in all sizes and in a number of colour forms. Interestingly the colour of the eye varies from bright orange to dull red. Although described from Venezuelan material, the colour forms that have given rise to L027 are from different locations such as the Rio Tocantins, Xingú and Tapajos, Brazil. It appears that the juveniles of Brazilian populations have solid or plain as opposed to barred caudal fin rays. So, a juvenile with barred caudal fin rays is from Colombian or Venezuelan stock.

Sexing

Undocumented, although with most ancistrine plecos the genital papilla of the female is round and blunt, that of the male by comparison is smaller and pointed. It is not known at what size this method of sexing can be used on Royal Plecos.

Habitat Information

Distribution

Wide distribution range from Colombia and Venezuela to South Central Amazon basin.
Amazon, Lower Amazon (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Amazon, Middle Amazon (Solimoes) (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Orinoco (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Orinoco, Middle Orinoco, Apure, Guarico (click on these areas to find other species found there)

(Click the map-icon to show/hide map of species distribution)

6.5 - 7.5

Temperature

22.0-30.0°C or 71.6-86°F (Show others within this range)

Husbandry Information

Feeding

Classic ''pleco diet'' of greens. Can be acclimatized onto most vegetables; tinned peas seem a favourite. The fish also appear to eat bogwood. Some prepared foods should also be offered to supplement this diet.

Furniture

Bogwood is essential - both for dietary reasons and because it seems to be the Royal Pleco's preferred hide-out - although any suitably sized dark refuge will be utilized. When larger, Royal Plecos will re-arrange the tank to their own liking; ensure rocks are well secured and cannot be toppled against the glass.

Compatibility

Territorial with conspecifics and other similarly sized catfish although otherwise peaceful with smaller fish. This fish can be a fussy feeder and only once it is feeding well should be mixed with large, boisterous fish.

Suggested Tankmates

Most community fish, this fish is very secretive and so you will want more active fish around to provide something to watch.

Breeding

No published information exists, but I have heard that the fish has been spawned in captivity using some form of tube in a large tank (approx. 125 US Gallons). A false dry season of two weeks (low, warm, still water) was used. Then the tank was topped off with cooler rainwater (refilling about 80%). Lots of meaty and veggie foods were offered. The pair spawned within days.

Further Information

References

Monatsb. Akad. Wiss. Berlin 1877 - pp471 - Unnumbered pl. following p. 556. Aqualog shows a number of colour variations. L027a (commonly known as the watermelon pleco or L330) is the spotted variety, L027b is the olive green variety and L027c is the golden variety. Whether or not these are distinct species or not remains unknown.

Registered Keepers

(1) Kostas, (2) Persephone, (3) Lornek8, (4) lcpete, (5) guillermo racines, (6) soltarii007, (7) synoguy, (8) azfisher (k: 2), (9) stinger, (10) Blue (k: 2), (11) Freakdaddy, (12) nettaigyo, (13) nmonks, (14) HylaChristine (p: 7), (15) Only enemy of the state (k: 2), (16) killerklown, (17) Slimlim, (18) einstein-a-go-go, (19) yogi69, who also notes: "about 3"", (20) Cyberbob, (21) Zigismund, (22) helshøj, (23) firenzenz (k: 2), who also notes: "Male is a couple of years old. Recently acquired another", (24) Plecofanatic1989, (25) irshprncsk, (26) krzys, (27) chillired (p: 2), (28) FuglyDragon, (29) steelhead99, (30) loloveto, (31) LUISGOREY, (32) johnny70, (33) Bahney, (34) Loracidlover, (35) diggerfreek, (36) wesman, (37) lewishan, (38) SoCalDiscus, (39) Plunt (k: 2), (40) briggadane (k: 2), (41) jiapei, (42) aledk85, (43) jopbgon, (44) JohnB, who also notes: "Found off Craigslist after previous owners tank busted. It will like its new 70 gallon tank to himself. ", (45) mickywelsh, (46) River Dog, (47) koter73, (48) eliy7 (p: 2), (49) Tenzin, (50) 78bill, (51) doodle, (52) cathje (k: 2), (53) KnaveTO, (54) Joeytoe, (55) HeadHunter, (56) fleahound, (57) a2fishguy, (58) Carp37, who also notes: "Juvenile now slightly over 3" long. This is the only plec I've got that is bright enough to remove apple snails from cucumber/courgette.", (59) nvcichlids (k: 5), who also notes: "Kept in my 125 gallon SA cichlid tank", (60) tvwav, (61) lighting (p: 2), (62) PlecoCrazy, (63) thejudgement, (64) oscarlover, (65) José Maria, (66) upc239 (p: 3, k: 3), who also notes: "This guy is getting huge. Eating shrimp pellets and algae waffers. Also eats Zuchinni. Beautiful pleco..This one is not aggressive towards other plecos, but this may be because he's much b igger than the rest.", (67) hboute, (68) kabaltah, (69) robt18, (70) Jackie, (71) royaldragoness, (72) gille, (73) he that is i, (74) omendey, (75) Krib, (76) nowhereman (p: 2, k: 3), (77) Altifrons, (78) fishkeeper, (79) dddolphin, (80) Wraith, who also notes: "A rescue that I got from the LFS. Guessing he/she is about 1 yr but is only 8cm. When the LFS got it off of the original owners, it's fins were completely gone but have partially grown back. Keeping in my fry tank and seems to be doing well.", (81) judeblackburn (k: 2), (82) dr_philatelist, (83) b.price, (84) jprp, (85) ewurm, (86) wschug, (87) matthewfaulkner (p: 2, k: 6), (88) Back, who also notes: "Have had 3.", (89) d3n2, (90) lethalcustoms00, (91) fishman, (92) dannyrawlins (p: 2), (93) SHEAG35 (k: 2), (94) 2wheelsx2, (95) JRS, who also notes: "Likes parboiled broccoli stems", (96) Neri2495 (p: 2), (97) Blackhawker, (98) Ullopincrate, (99) coelacanth, (100) keen-eyed, (101) joemc, (102) EHEIM~ADDICT, (103) kaleidoskope, (104) Hitch, (105) sterlingtjones, (106) cory777 (p: 2), (107) ichtyophile (k: 2), (108) Armyngmike1982, (109) marangmic, (110) oli (k: 2), (111) scleropages (p: 2, k: 4), (112) Daniel_yeo, (113) Nanu156, (114) mrfishydude (p: 2, k: 4), who also notes: "All healthy, beautiful (better than the pics), and active, ranging from 3-4.5". Love driftwood, but also clean glass and rock surfaces, as well as the intake strainer on the back filter. love it!", (115) brechtvh, (116) electrophyste, (117) salvador60, (118) barry555, (119) smitty (p: 2, k: 3), (120) arthos, who also notes: "about 300mm / 11.8 inch. It's a dirty monster!", (121) wimmels, (122) Bisclavret, (123) FrankNL, (124) alasia, (125) Steen, (126) David R (p: 2, k: 5), (127) sfchoong, (128) adrisdad, (129) allim, (130) plecomanpat, (131) hankinswood, (132) excuzzzeme, (133) xander, (134) SHEAG (k: 3), (135) Matt30, (136) arapaimag, (137) Fevz, (138) Starfish42, who also notes: "I've been told this fish cannot compete with clown loaches and pictus catfish as it will hide away and not feed. Well, nobody seems to have told the fish! Definitely the boss fish in my tank.", (139) Dan101, (140) cdc069, (141) Martin Holm, (142) fleshwound, (143) Seagirt, who also notes: "Sits around and eats her wood all day. Pretty fish.", (144) nnpnnp (k: 2), (145) tomr, (146) tiffanyjayne, (147) 2poc, (148) Thomas W, (149) snike, (150) Copp81, (151) fester, (152) aeonone87, (153) Catfish freak, (154) tagamasid1023 (p: 2, k: 2), who also notes: "This panaque is very territorial! It is very aggressive towards my slightly smaller L190. Sometimes, it tends to "attack and bump" Oscars that are being too close to it, especially during feeding time. It also produces lots of waste because it consumes lots of wood. Nevertheless, this beautiful and aggressive panaque is always a thrill to watch.", (155) mikebren12, (156) chrisblackwirral, (157) gforcefx, (158) richb, (159) henward, (160) transporter42, (161) oneoddfish, (162) nedara, (163) mdwflyer, (164) Lframe, (165) rosswell, (166) browny85, (167) plecolee (p: 2), (168) Blackguard, (169) HERVE, (170) slimrs, (171) eyal8a (k: 5), (172) sterna, (173) Michael_Wanga, (174) huskerdad, (175) darryl180 (k: 2), (176) urison (k: 2), (177) Fruityscone, (178) Bellady, (179) elephant, (180) kawa85, (181) m1ke715m, (182) Iiriva, (183) jabones, (184) Mark Panaque (k: 2), (185) freddynietzsche, (186) MrDimmu, (187) sem87, (188) ElTofi, who also notes: "This one didn't stand the acclimatation phase... I guess the remove from his home tank (23Â°C) to his new home, even with an acclimatation on 2 hours, has been too much... found dead this morning after only 10 hours", (189) kitbuilder, (190) Goodeid608, (191) Nobettername, (192) ThomasTheFish, (193) DOLEMITE, (194) GhostArcher, (195) uaru, (196) cjerrom, (197) chaim76, (198) citizencurt.

Click on a username above to see all that persons registered catfish species. You can also view all "my cats" data for this species.

Breeding Reports

None.

Articles