L239 panaque Blue (Wild Caught) 3″-4″

The L239 Panaque sp. “Blue,” also known as the Blue Panaque or Blue Phantom Pleco, is a stunning pleco species from the Loricariidae family, highly prized for its striking blue or bluish-gray coloration. It’s a smaller member of the Panaque genus compared to some of its larger cousins, making it more suitable for mid-sized aquariums. Like other Panaque species, it is a wood-eater, though its dietary habits are somewhat more flexible.

• Appearance:
  • Body: The L239 has a streamlined body, heavily armored with bony plates typical of plecos. It has a broad head, relatively large eyes, and powerful pectoral fins.
  • Coloration: The Blue Panaque is named for its vibrant blue or blue-gray coloration. This hue covers its entire body, with some individuals displaying faint spots or darker shading along the fins. Under the right lighting, their bluish coloration is particularly eye-catching.
  • Size: Unlike many other Panaque species, L239 is relatively small, reaching a maximum size of around 15 cm (6 inches), making it more manageable for medium-sized tanks.
• Habitat:
  • Native regions: L239 is found in the upper Orinoco River basin in Venezuela. This region is known for fast-flowing waters with submerged driftwood and plant debris.
  • Environment: In the wild, L239 prefers habitats with a rocky substrate and an abundance of submerged wood and plant material. These environments offer plenty of hiding places and food sources.

• Feeding habits: Like all Panaque species, L239 is xylophagous (wood-eating), though it is more omnivorous than some of its larger relatives. Driftwood should be present in the aquarium for them to rasp on, but they also enjoy a varied diet. They will consume plant material, algae, and biofilm. In captivity, they should be fed a combination of driftwood, algae wafers, and vegetable-based foods such as zucchini, cucumber, and spinach.
• Temperament: L239 is generally peaceful and can coexist with other fish, though like most plecos, it may show mild territorial behavior, especially toward conspecifics or other plecos. It’s more active at night, spending most of the day hiding among driftwood or rocks.

• Tank size: Due to their relatively small size compared to other Panaque species, a tank of at least 55 gallons is sufficient for a single L239, though larger tanks (75 gallons and above) are recommended if you plan on keeping multiple plecos or a community of fish.
• Water conditions: L239 prefers soft, slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0–7.5) and a temperature range of 25–29°C (77–84°F). Water flow should be moderate to strong, replicating their natural river habitat. A good filtration system is necessary to handle the waste produced by wood-eating plecos.
• Aquascape: The tank should include plenty of driftwood for rasping, as well as rocks and caves to provide hiding places. A sandy or smooth gravel substrate is recommended. They do well in a heavily aquascaped tank with driftwood and stones arranged to create caves and crevices. Hardy plants can be added, though they may occasionally nibble on plant material.
• Diet: Driftwood should be present for rasping, but they also need a varied diet in captivity. Offer sinking algae wafers, vegetable matter (zucchini, cucumber, spinach), and protein-based foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp occasionally. Their diet should be primarily plant-based, but a small amount of protein can be included for variety.

• Reproduction: Breeding L239 Panaque in captivity is rare but possible. They are cave spawners, so providing tight caves or hollow driftwood pieces is essential if breeding is attempted. The male guards the eggs until they hatch. However, replicating the environmental triggers necessary for breeding (such as seasonal changes in water flow and temperature) can be challenging.

• Tank mates: L239 is peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive species. Ideal tank mates include small to medium-sized South American cichlids (such as Apistogramma or Geophagus species), tetras, or other peaceful community fish. Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive or large territorial fish, as they may stress the pleco.
• Wood-eating behavior: Although L239 is a wood-eater, it is less dependent on wood than larger Panaque species. Nonetheless, it is still essential to provide driftwood in the tank for them to rasp on. This will help with their digestion and maintain their health.

• Water quality: Maintaining clean water is crucial for L239. While they are relatively hardy, they can be sensitive to poor water conditions. High-quality filtration and regular water changes are necessary, especially given the amount of waste generated by wood-eating plecos.
• Driftwood: Provide ample driftwood in the tank, as L239 will rasp on it for food and fiber. Malaysian driftwood or Mopani wood is ideal, as it lasts longer in the tank and provides a good source of nutrition for the pleco.

• Similarities: Like other Panaque species, L239 is a wood-eater and has similar care requirements, such as the need for driftwood, clean water, and strong filtration.
• Differences: The most obvious difference is the size and color. L239 is smaller and has a striking blue coloration, making it a more compact and visually unique pleco compared to the larger, more muted-colored species like L191 or L330. Its dietary habits are also more flexible, as it will accept a wider range of foods in captivity.