Panaque sp. L191, commonly known as the Royal Panaque or the Dull-eyed Royal Pleco, is a striking and sought-after species of catfish that adds a touch of regal beauty and elegance to any aquarium. With its majestic appearance and intricate patterns, Panaque sp. L191 is a popular choice among experienced aquarists who seek a visually captivating and unique fish for their tanks. Originating from the Rio Orinoco basin in South America, these catfish are known for their peaceful nature, algae-eating habits, and their preference for well-maintained and spacious aquariums. Let's explore a detailed description of these remarkable catfish, including essential information on their appearance, water conditions, tank setup, feeding habits, and care.

Appearance:

• Striking Patterns: Panaque sp. L191 features intricate dark and light patterns on its body and fins, making them visually captivating and elegant in the aquarium.
• Size: They are a medium-sized catfish species, reaching an adult length of around 10 inches (25 centimeters) in captivity.

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: Maintain a tropical water temperature range of 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C) to ensure the well-being of Royal Panaque.
• pH Level: Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH level between 6.5 and 7.5 to replicate their natural habitat.
• Water Hardness: Provide a moderately soft to moderately hard water with a hardness level between 3 and 12 dGH.

Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: Panaque sp. L191 requires a spacious tank of at least 75 gallons (284 liters) due to their size and active swimming behavior.
• Aquascape: Create a well-decorated environment with driftwood, rocks, and caves to mimic their natural habitat and offer hiding spots.
• Peaceful Tank Mates: They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful community fish species.

Feeding Habit:

• Herbivorous Diet: Royal Panaque is primarily herbivorous and enjoys feeding on algae and vegetable matter.
• Algae and Vegetable-Based Foods: Provide sinking algae wafers, vegetable-based pellets, or fresh vegetables like zucchini as their primary diet.
• Wood for Diet: To meet their dietary needs, include driftwood in the aquarium as they will graze on the wood's surface.

Care:

• Peaceful Nature: Panaque sp. L191 is generally peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful tank mates.
• Observation: Monitor their behavior and appearance to ensure they are healthy and showing no signs of stress or illness.