L239 panaque Blue (Wild Caught) 3″-4″

The L239 Panaque Blue is a stunning species of wood-eating pleco from the Panaque genus, native to the Amazon River Basin in Brazil. It is also known for its blueish-black coloration with distinctive light spots, making it a highly sought-after species by aquarium enthusiasts. Unlike the Blue Phantom Pleco, the L239 has a unique appearance and requires specialized care.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size:
  • Due to its potential size of up to 8–10 inches (20–25 cm), it is best to house the L239 in a minimum tank size of 75 gallons (284 liters). Larger tanks are recommended, especially if the pleco is housed with other tankmates.
  • A spacious environment provides ample space for the pleco to forage on driftwood and creates a more natural environment.
• Tank Setup:
  • Substrate: The L239 Panaque Blue prefers soft sand or fine gravel as the substrate. Avoid sharp gravel that could damage the pleco’s barbels.
  • Decor: Provide plenty of driftwood, which is essential for the pleco’s diet, as well as rocks and caves for hiding. The pleco appreciates areas where it can retreat and feel safe.
  • Plants: Hardy plants such as Anubias, Java fern, or Amazon swords are suitable. While this pleco is not known for eating plants, it’s best to provide robust species.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is suitable for this species. A dim tank setup with shaded areas will replicate its natural habitat and help reduce stress.
• Water Flow:
  • The L239 prefers moderate to strong water flow, similar to its natural environment in fast-moving rivers. A canister filter or powerhead will help maintain adequate water movement.

Water Parameters

• Temperature:
  • The ideal temperature range for the L239 is between 75°F and 82°F (24°C–28°C).
• pH:
  • The pleco thrives in slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
• Hardness:
  • Keep the water soft to moderately hard, with a dGH range of 4–12.
• Ammonia/Nitrite:
  • Ammonia and nitrite levels should be kept at 0 ppm.
• Nitrate:
  • Keep nitrate levels below 20 ppm to ensure good water quality.

Diet

The L239 Panaque Blue is a wood-eating species that has specialized dietary needs.

• Wood:
  • As a wood-eating pleco, driftwood is essential to its diet. The pleco will graze on algae and biofilm that form on the surface of the wood. Always ensure there is plenty of hardwood like Malaysian driftwood or Mopani wood available in the tank.
• Vegetables:
  • Offer blanched vegetables such as zucchini, cucumbers, and sweet potatoes for additional nutrients and fiber.
• Algae:
  • The pleco will consume algae that naturally grow in the tank, but you can also offer algae wafers and spirulina pellets to supplement its diet.
• Protein:
  • While primarily herbivorous, the pleco will benefit from occasional protein sources like frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or earthworms.
• Feeding Frequency:
  • Feed the L239 once a day or every other day, ensuring it consumes all food within 3–5 minutes.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament:
  • The L239 Panaque Blue is generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially with other bottom-dwelling species. It is a shy fish that hides during the day and becomes more active at night when it feeds.
  • While it can show territorial behavior, it is typically non-aggressive towards other species in the tank.
• Tankmates:
  • The L239 does well with other peaceful fish, such as tetras, rainbowfish, and larger cichlids that do not compete for bottom space.
  • Avoid keeping it with aggressive species or other bottom-dwelling plecos that might lead to territorial disputes.
  • Ensure plenty of hiding spots and territories to minimize aggression and stress.

Breeding

Breeding the L239 Panaque Blue in captivity is rare, and there is limited information available on its breeding behaviors. However, here are general guidelines based on the behavior of other Panaque species:

1. Breeding Tank Setup:
   • A large tank (at least 75 gallons) with plenty of driftwood and flat surfaces like rocks or slates for egg laying is necessary.
   • Maintain a temperature of 80°F (27°C), a pH of 6.5–7.5, and soft to moderately hard water.
2. Conditioning:
   • Prior to breeding, condition the plecos with a high-protein diet, including live or frozen foods, as well as wood. Feed them this diet for 2–4 weeks.
3. Spawning:
   • The female will lay eggs on flat surfaces, typically near or under driftwood, while the male will fertilize them.
   • The male will often guard the eggs until they hatch. The fry initially attach to surfaces and will take some time to become free-swimming.

Common Challenges

1. Wood Availability:
   • The L239 is a wood-eating species, so ensure an adequate supply of driftwood for grazing. If not enough wood is available, the pleco may suffer from malnutrition.
2. Territorial Behavior:
   • This species can be territorial, especially with other bottom-dwelling fish. Provide multiple hiding spots to help minimize territorial disputes and reduce stress.
3. Water Quality:
   • As with all plecos, maintaining stable water parameters is crucial. Regular water changes and proper filtration will ensure that ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels are within safe ranges.

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 but territorial with bottom-dwellers
Lifespan	10–15 years or more

The L239 Panaque Blue is a beautiful and relatively easy-to-care-for species when its specific needs are met. With the right environment, diet, and tankmates, the L239 can thrive and provide a unique visual appeal to your aquarium. Proper care, including an ample supply of driftwood and stable water quality, will ensure its health and longevity in your tank.