Panaqolus albivermis (code L204), also known as the Striped Imperial Pleco, is a superb bottom-dwelling fish native to Peru. It is distinguished by its brown colour with horizontal white stripes and its peaceful behaviour. A rare species, much sought-after by lovers of loricariids.

1. Behaviour & maintenance

Quiet, territorial and nocturnal. To be kept alone or in small groups if the aquarium exceeds 200 L. Provide plenty of hiding places (roots, tubes, flat rocks) and a soft substrate. Likes clear, well-oxygenated water with a gentle current.

2. Water parameters

• Temperature: 25-30°C
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• GH: 4-12 °dGH
• KH: 2-6 °KH
• Minimum volume: 150 L (individual) / 250 L (group)

3. Feeding

Essentially wood-eating and herbivorous: consumes softwood and biofilms. Supplement with bottom pellets, poached vegetables (courgette, cucumber) and cellulose-rich foods. Find out more about our foods for bottom-feeding fish and loricariids.

4. Technical specifications

5. Reproduction

Cavity spawning: the male guards the eggs until they hatch. Requires a special tank, suitable tubes and slightly acidic freshwater (pH 6.5, 27°C).

6. Compatibility

Compatible with calm fish in the same biotope (Amazonian tetras, corydoras, apistogrammas). Avoid large, dominant cichlids or plecos. Can cohabit with other Panaqolus if there are enough hiding places.

7. Shipping, delivery & transport points

The fish are shipped with care in professional isothermal packaging, guaranteeing a stable temperature during transport. The packaging complies with the requirements for transporting live animals.

Delivery methods

• France Express (secure delivery in France, Belgium and Luxembourg)
• In-store collection at Sombreffe (Belgium)

Shipment organisation

• Orders closed: every Monday at 10.00 a.m.
• France: departures on Monday or Tuesday depending on the department, delivery between Tuesday and Thursday.
• Belgium & Luxembourg: departures on Monday and Tuesday, delivery between Tuesday and Wednesday.