L027 Panaque Sp. Colombian (Wild Caught) 1.5″-2.5″

The L027 Panaque sp. Colombian, also known as the Royal Pleco or Royal Panaque, is a wood-eating pleco species that belongs to the Panaque genus, which is well known for its members’ specialized diet of wood and their large size. The “L027” label refers to a specific variety of Royal Pleco that comes from the waters of Colombia. It is a visually striking fish and a favorite among advanced aquarists due to its impressive size, beautiful coloration, and fascinating feeding behavior.

• Appearance:
  • Body: L027 has a distinctive, heavily armored body with bony plates for protection. Its broad head and striking tail make it stand out, and its overall shape is similar to other Panaque species.
  • Coloration: The L027 Royal Pleco is characterized by its bold, dark stripes or patterns on a light to dark brown or olive-green body. These patterns can vary in thickness and intensity but typically run horizontally along the body. The fins are often marked with dark bands. The eyes are relatively large and give it a striking appearance.
  • Size: L027 can grow to significant sizes in captivity, reaching around 35–45 cm (14–18 inches), making it one of the larger plecos available in the aquarium hobby.
• Habitat:
  • Native regions: L027 is found in the fast-flowing rivers of Colombia, especially in the Orinoco River Basin. These environments are rich in driftwood and plant material, which form the foundation of their diet.
  • Environment: In their natural habitat, L027 Panaques live in waters with strong currents, abundant driftwood, and rocky substrates. The water in these areas is typically soft and slightly acidic.

• Feeding habits: Like all Panaque species, the L027 is xylophagous, meaning it feeds primarily on wood. It rasps on decaying wood with its specialized teeth, which are designed for scraping. In captivity, it requires constant access to driftwood for feeding. They also consume plant matter, algae, and small invertebrates in their natural habitat, and in aquariums, they should be supplemented with vegetable-based foods and sinking pellets.
• Temperament: L027 is generally peaceful, but it can become territorial, particularly with other plecos or bottom-dwelling fish, especially when it comes to securing driftwood or caves as territory. They are nocturnal, meaning they are more active at night and prefer to hide during the day.

• Tank size: Due to their large adult size, L027 Royal Plecos require a spacious tank of at least 150 gallons. Larger tanks (200 gallons or more) are recommended for long-term care or if keeping multiple large fish in the same tank.
• Water conditions: L027 prefers soft, slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0–7.5) and temperatures between 25–30°C (77–86°F). Strong water flow and good oxygenation are essential to mimic their natural river habitats. A high-capacity filtration system and regular water changes are necessary to maintain water quality, as they produce a significant amount of waste due to their wood-eating habits.
• Aquascape: The tank should include large, sturdy pieces of driftwood, which are critical for both feeding and shelter. A sandy or smooth gravel substrate works best to avoid any damage to their sensitive undersides. Rocks and caves should be provided to create hiding spots and territories. Hardy plants can be used, but be mindful that soft-leaved plants may be damaged by the pleco’s rasping activity or uprooted during tank maintenance.
• Diet: In addition to driftwood, which is necessary for their digestion, L027 plecos should be provided with algae wafers, sinking pellets, and fresh vegetables like blanched zucchini, cucumber, and sweet potato. Occasional protein-based foods like bloodworms or shrimp can be offered, but their diet should primarily consist of plant and wood matter.

• Reproduction: Breeding L027 Panaques in captivity is very rare. They are thought to be cave spawners in the wild, with the male guarding the eggs. However, replicating the specific environmental conditions required for breeding—such as seasonal water changes, temperature shifts, and the right cave structures—can be difficult in a home aquarium.

• Tank mates: L027 Royal Plecos are peaceful and can be kept with other large, non-aggressive species. Suitable tank mates include larger cichlids (such as Severums, Geophagus, and Uaru), larger characins, and other peaceful catfish species. Avoid keeping them with highly aggressive fish or fish that may compete with them for territory at the bottom of the tank.
• Wood-eating behavior: Since wood forms a crucial part of their diet, large, dense pieces of driftwood should always be present in the tank. Not only does this meet their dietary needs, but it also provides important hiding places. The pleco will spend a lot of time rasping on the wood, which can result in the wood being slowly worn down over time.

• Water quality: L027 plecos are relatively hardy, but due to their large size and wood-eating habits, they produce a lot of waste. Maintaining clean water through strong filtration, good water circulation, and regular water changes is essential for their health.
• Driftwood: Make sure the tank has enough driftwood for them to rasp on, as this is critical to their diet. Dense types of wood like Malaysian driftwood or Mopani wood work well, as they break down more slowly.

• Similarities: Like other Panaque species, L027 shares the trait of wood-eating and has a large, bulky body. All Panaques require similar care, including spacious tanks, constant access to driftwood, and strong water filtration.
• Differences: L027 is distinguished from other Royal Plecos (such as L191 or L330) by its unique patterning and coloration, which tends to have thicker, bolder stripes and a more vibrant contrast. It is also native to Colombia, while other Royal Plecos may originate from different regions of the Amazon or Orinoco basins.