L191 Dull Eye Royal Pleco - Product Description

The L191 Dull Eye Royal Pleco, also known as Panaque Nigrolineatus, is a striking and unique species, prized for its stunning appearance and functional role in keeping tanks clean. Native to the rivers of South America, particularly the Orinoco and Amazon basins, this pleco species is popular among aquarium enthusiasts for its wood-eating habit, hardy nature, and compatibility with other fish. With its royal green to brownish body adorned with striking black vertical stripes, the L191 stands out as a regal addition to any freshwater tank. Here's everything you need to know to ensure your L191 Royal Pleco thrives in your aquarium:

Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Panaque Nigrolineatus (L191)
• Common Names: Dull Eye Royal Pleco, Royal Green Pleco, Royal Plecostomus
• Size: 10-12 inches (can grow larger in the wild)
• Lifespan: 10-15 years in well-maintained aquariums
• Origin: South America (Orinoco and Amazon rivers)

Water Conditions:

L191 Dull Eye Royal Plecos are relatively hardy fish, but they thrive best in specific water conditions that mimic their natural habitat. To keep your pleco healthy, consider the following guidelines:

• Tank Size: Minimum of 75 gallons, with larger tanks recommended for adults. The L191 is an active fish that needs plenty of space to roam and forage.
• Water Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C) to simulate tropical river environments.
• pH Range: 6.5 to 7.5; slightly acidic to neutral water is ideal.
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (4-12 dGH) is best for this species.
• Filtration: A powerful filtration system is essential to handle the waste produced by this wood-eating pleco. Additionally, they require well-oxygenated water with a steady flow to replicate river currents.
• Water Changes: Regular water changes (about 25-30% weekly) are important to maintain water quality and prevent nitrate buildup.

Tank Setup and Decor:

The L191 Royal Pleco enjoys a natural and well-decorated tank that provides both hiding spots and foraging areas:

• Substrate: Sandy or fine gravel substrate mimics their natural environment, allowing them to forage for food comfortably.
• Driftwood: Driftwood is a must-have in the tank. The L191 Royal Pleco is a wood-eating species, and driftwood not only provides hiding spots but also serves as an essential part of their diet.
• Plants and Rocks: Live plants and smooth rocks can be included, but ensure they are securely anchored, as this pleco may dislodge items while foraging.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is recommended. This species prefers dimmer environments due to its natural habitat in shaded riverbeds.

Feeding Habits:

One of the most fascinating aspects of the L191 Dull Eye Royal Pleco is its diet. Unlike most other pleco species that rely solely on algae, the L191 primarily consumes wood and fibrous plant material.

• Wood-Eating: L191 Plecos are known as xylophagous fish, meaning they digest wood. They require regular access to driftwood, which should be a staple in their diet.
• Algae: They will occasionally graze on algae, but they are not effective algae eaters compared to other pleco species.
• Supplemental Foods: In addition to wood, you can offer them sinking algae wafers, pleco pellets, and fresh vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, and sweet potato. They may also accept occasional protein-rich foods such as bloodworms or shrimp, but their diet should be primarily vegetarian.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice daily, but be mindful not to overfeed, as plecos are slow feeders and excessive food can spoil the water quality.

Tank Mates:

The L191 Royal Pleco is a peaceful, non-aggressive species, making it compatible with a variety of tank mates. However, certain considerations are necessary when selecting compatible species:

• Peaceful Community Fish: Ideal tank mates include tetras, angelfish, gouramis, rasboras, and other non-aggressive fish that thrive in similar water conditions.
• Avoid Aggressive Species: Avoid housing them with overly aggressive fish or fin-nippers like cichlids, as these can stress the pleco or cause harm.
• Bottom Dwellers: While the L191 generally tolerates other bottom-dwelling species like Corydoras or small loaches, avoid housing it with large or highly territorial plecos, as they may compete for food and territory.
• Invertebrates: Shrimp and snails can cohabit with the L191 Royal Pleco, but ensure they aren’t too small, as they might be mistaken for food.

• Care and Maintenance:

  Though relatively low-maintenance, the L191 Dull Eye Royal Pleco requires a bit of attention to detail to ensure it remains healthy and thrives long-term:

  • Regular Tank Cleaning: As wood-eaters, L191 Plecos produce a significant amount of waste. Regular cleaning of the substrate and driftwood is essential to keep water quality high.
  • Driftwood Maintenance: Make sure to replace or rotate driftwood in the tank periodically, as it will gradually wear down due to constant gnawing.
  • Monitor Water Parameters: Test water frequently to ensure stable pH, temperature, and hardness levels.
  • Observation: Regularly observe your pleco for signs of stress, such as lack of appetite, lethargy, or unusual swimming behavior.