The Panaque Sp. L191 5-6cm Wild(Panaque sp. L191), often called Royal Panaque, is an impressive loricariid native to Colombia, recognisable by its massive body and striped/brown patterns. Offered here in a size of 5-6 cm (young wild specimens), it is intended for spacious aquariums and high-performance filtration in our freshwater world, with well-equipped aquariums.

Behaviour & maintenance

The Panaque L191 is a mainly nocturnal bottom-dwelling fish, generally peaceful with open water fish, but territorial towards other large loricariids and plecoids, especially around hiding places.

• Active mainly at night, occupying roots and submerged wood.
• Compatible with calm medium to large fish occupying the environment/surface.
• Provide plenty of individual hiding places to limit stress.

An aquarium of at least 300 litres is required for a young fish, and more than 500 litres for an adult. Very powerful filtration, a strong current and well-oxygenated water are essential. Use starter bacteria and check your parameters with our water tests.

Diet

The Panaque is a wood-eater (xylophagous) with herbivorous tendencies. Wood is an important part of its diet, supplemented by plant foods and a little protein.

• Basis: fibre-rich pellets for herbivorous pleco.
• Regular intake of natural wood (mangrove, roots, swamp wood), essential for the proper functioning of its digestive system.
• Supplements: poached vegetables (courgette, cucumber, spinach), spirulina tablets and, in moderation, protein foods (krill, artemia, etc.).

See our range of foods for groundfish and pleco. In planted tanks, choose robust species and support them with aquarium fertilisers.

Water quality

• Ideal temperature: 25 - 29°C
• pH: 6.0 - 7.5
• GH: 4 - 15 °dGH
• KH: 2 - 8 °KH
• Conductivity: 150 - 400 µS

Before introduction, treat the water with a water conditioner. Carry out weekly water changes (20-30%) to evacuate the abundant organic waste produced by this big eater and regularly monitor your parameters with our water tests.

Decor & environment

In the wild, the Panaque L191 frequents rocky and wooded rivers with currents. Reproduce a decor rich in hiding places and woodland:

• Aquarium substrate such as sand or rounded gravel.
• Numerous roots, branches and pieces of wood (essential), complemented by rocks forming caves.
• Subdued lighting, with shaded areas for resting.

For an optimal environment, use aquarium substrate, ouraquascaping elements and aquarium lighting. Complete with decorations and current zones.

Maintenance sheet

Aquabota tip

A healthy Panaque L191 needs wood in the tank at all times. Regularly renew the roots and ensure oversized filtration, as it is a major producer of waste. Check your parameters with water tests.

Shipping & delivery of live fish

The fish are shipped with care in suitable isothermal packaging to ensure their safety during transport.

Delivery methods

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

Shipment organisation

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