L191 PANAQUE SUTTONORUMSD

The Panaque suttonorum, also known as the L191 Panaque, is a species of wood-eating pleco native to the Amazon Basin in South America. It is admired for its striking appearance, with a dark body covered in white or yellowish spots and a characteristic pattern that resembles camouflage. Like other Panaque species, this pleco feeds primarily on wood and algae and requires specific care to thrive in the home aquarium.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size:
  • The L191 Panaque grows to around 8-10 inches (20–25 cm) in length. A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended, especially for a single individual. Larger tanks are preferable for groups or when keeping tankmates.
• Tank Setup:
  • Substrate: Use a soft sand or fine gravel substrate to protect the pleco’s sensitive barbels.
  • Decor: Provide plenty of driftwood for the Panaque to graze on, as this species primarily feeds on wood and algae. You can also include rocks and caves to give them places to hide.
  • Plants: Hardy, non-delicate plants like Java fern, Anubias, and Amazon swords can be used. Keep in mind that Panaque species are known to uproot plants while searching for food, so secure plants properly.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is fine, as the Panaque is not sensitive to light. However, shaded areas will provide the fish with a more natural habitat.
• Water Flow:
  • The Panaque suttonorum prefers a moderate to strong water flow, as it comes from rivers with current in the wild. A powerful canister filter or powerhead can help maintain a steady flow and provide oxygen-rich water.

Water Parameters

• Temperature:
  • The ideal temperature range is between 75°F and 82°F (24°C–28°C).
• pH:
  • This species prefers slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
• Hardness:
  • They thrive in soft to moderately hard water, with a dGH of 4–12.
• Ammonia/Nitrite:
  • Keep ammonia and nitrite levels at 0 ppm at all times. These compounds are harmful and can lead to serious health problems for your pleco.
• Nitrate:
  • Maintain nitrate levels below 20 ppm to ensure a healthy environment.

Diet

The L191 Panaque is primarily a wood-eater, but it is also omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods.

• Wood:
  • As a wood-eating pleco, the L191 needs access to driftwood for its primary diet. Choose hardwoods such as Malaysian driftwood, cherry wood, or mopani wood. The pleco will graze on the algae and microorganisms that grow on the wood.
• Vegetables:
  • Blanched zucchini, cucumbers, and sweet potatoes are good sources of additional fiber.
• Algae:
  • The pleco will naturally graze on algae in the aquarium, so you can provide algae wafers or spirulina pellets as a supplement.
• Protein:
  • Offer sinking pellets, frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or earthworms to provide protein.
• Feeding Frequency:
  • Feed once a day or every other day. Offer only as much food as the pleco can consume within 3–5 minutes. They are primarily nocturnal, so feeding them in the evening or at night may encourage more feeding behavior.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament:
  • The L191 Panaque is generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially towards other bottom-dwelling species. It is a shy fish that may hide during the day, becoming more active at night.
  • These plecos are typically non-aggressive but can be territorial with other plecos or fish that compete for food in the lower areas of the tank.
• Tankmates:
  • Good tankmates include other non-aggressive fish that occupy different parts of the tank, such as tetras, rainbowfish, larger cichlids, or other peaceful bottom dwellers.
  • Avoid keeping the L191 with overly aggressive fish or smaller fish that might become prey.
  • Ensure there are enough hiding spaces and territories within the tank to prevent conflicts with other fish.

Breeding

Breeding the Panaque suttonorum in captivity is rare, but it can be done under the right conditions.

1. Breeding Tank Setup:
   • The breeding tank should be large (75 gallons or more) with plenty of driftwood and flat surfaces (such as rocks or slates) where the female can lay her eggs. Maintain stable water parameters with soft, slightly acidic water and a temperature around 80°F (27°C).
2. Conditioning:
   • Before attempting breeding, condition the pair with a high-protein diet (live foods, sinking pellets, and wood) for 2–4 weeks.
3. Spawning:
   • The female will lay eggs on a flat surface, and the male will fertilize them. After fertilization, the male typically guards the eggs.
   • The eggs will hatch after a few days, and the fry will remain attached to the surfaces for the initial stages of development. They will eventually become free-swimming and start feeding on algae and biofilm.

Common Challenges

1. Wood Availability:
   • Wood-eating plecos like the L191 require constant access to driftwood to stay healthy. Without sufficient wood in the tank, they may suffer from malnutrition or digestive issues. Always ensure that there is enough driftwood in the tank.
2. Water Quality:
   • Maintaining clean water is essential for the health of the L191. Regular water changes and filtration are necessary to keep nitrate levels low and water parameters stable. High levels of ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates can lead to stress and illness.
3. Territoriality:
   • L191 Panaques can be territorial and may not get along with other bottom-dwellers, especially other plecos. Provide plenty of hiding places and adequate space to reduce aggression.

Care Summary

Aspect	Details
Tank Size	Minimum 75 gallons, larger preferred
Water Parameters	pH 6.0–7.5, 75°F–82°F, soft to moderately hard water
Diet	Wood (driftwood), vegetables, algae wafers, protein pellets
Temperament	Peaceful, territorial with bottom-dwelling fish
Lifespan	10–15 years or more

The Panaque suttonorum (L191) is an excellent choice for aquarists with experience in caring for plecos and wood-eating species. With the right environment, diet, and care, this unique pleco can be a long-lived and fascinating addition to a well-maintained aquarium.