Panaque (Panaque spp.) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Royal pleco (P. nigrolineatus, L190), Panaque sp. (L191), Panaque armbrusteri, Panaque titan, Panaque bathyphilus, Panaque schaeferi
Family
Loricariidae (suckermouth armoured catfishes)
Origin
Tropical South America; species come from different river systems, living among fallen trees and tangles of submerged wood.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
60 cm
Temperature
23–28°C
pH
6–7.8
Hardness
3–18 dGH (estimated)
Minimum tank
450 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful

Care

Panaque is a genus of large, heavily built plecos famous for eating wood. PlanetCatfish lists 16 species, almost all of which are kept by hobbyists. Figures vary a lot between species, so always check the species name or L-number before buying and plan for the adult size of that fish. The most commonly kept are the royal pleco Panaque nigrolineatus (L190) and its relatives, including P. nigrolineatus laurafabianae and the unnamed Panaque sp. (L191), followed by the P. armbrusteri group, P. bathyphilus, P. cochliodon-type fish, P. schaeferi and P. titan. Several small wood-eating plecos once placed in Panaque are now in Panaqolus and stay far smaller, so do not assume every "Panaque" on a sales list is a big fish. Size: PlanetCatfish gives standard lengths of about 28–60 cm across the genus, averaging around 40 cm. These are big, messy fish that need very large tanks with strong filtration and frequent water changes; around 450 litres for one adult of an average species is our estimate, and the largest species need more. Decor: plenty of driftwood (both for food and shelter), caves or overhangs, and a sturdy layout – these fish are strong and can move decor. Their spoon-shaped teeth, wider at the tip than the base, set the genus apart from other plecos. Water needs vary by species and are not given on the genus page, so look up the particular species; most are kept in warm, well-oxygenated, clean water with some current. Panaque are generally peaceful with other fish but often defend a territory against their own kind or similar plecos, so keep one per tank unless it is very large and has several hiding places. Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/genus.php?genusid=27). Checked October 2026.

Diet

All Panaque appear to eat wood, so a large piece of real driftwood must always be in the tank – they rasp it and digest part of it. Add algae wafers and plenty of vegetables such as courgette, cucumber, peas and green beans, plus tubers like potato or yam. Remove uneaten vegetables before they rot.

Breeding

Breeding in aquariums is rare and figures vary by species. Like other plecos, Panaque are cave spawners in which the male guards the eggs, but a reliable home method is not established. Check the individual species page on PlanetCatfish for any breeding reports.

Compatibility and tank mates

Generally peaceful towards other fish and suits a large tank of robust, medium to large tankmates such as larger characins, peaceful cichlids and doradids. Often territorial towards its own kind and other big plecos, so avoid crowding them. Too large and messy for a typical community tank.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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