L190 "Royal Pleco"

Common Name: Royal Pleco, Royal Panaque
Scientific Name: Panaque nigrolineatus
Native Region: Colombia – Rio Magdalena and Rio Meta Basins
Origin: Wild Caught
Adult Size: Approximately 15"
Temperament: Peaceful / Semi-territorial
Diet: Herbivore / Wood Grazer
Currently Feeding On: EBO Spirulina Tabs, EBO Spirulina Softgran, EBO Mussel Sticks
Swimming Level: Bottom
Recommended Group: 1+

The Royal Pleco (Panaque nigrolineatus) is one of the most iconic and recognizable plecos in the aquarium hobby. Its striking red eyes, striping, and large, heavily armored appearance make it a standout addition to a well-established freshwater aquarium. Individual patterning can vary, making each Royal Pleco uniquely attractive.

Native to the major river systems of Colombia, Royal Plecos inhabit warm, flowing waters where submerged wood, rocks, and other hard surfaces provide shelter and feeding areas. Their specialized rasping mouth and robust dentition are perfectly adapted for scraping wood and aufwuchs from submerged surfaces.

Royal Plecos are generally peaceful toward other community fish but can become territorial toward other bottom-dwelling fish and plecos, particularly when mature. Providing multiple caves, pieces of driftwood, and visual barriers can help reduce territorial competition. They are primarily nocturnal and often become much more active after the aquarium lights have gone out.

Care Requirements

Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Tank Size: 100 gallons or larger
Water: Soft to moderately hard
Group Size: 1 or more

Royal Plecos require a mature, well-filtered aquarium with excellent oxygenation and good water movement. Because they naturally inhabit flowing rivers, strong filtration and circulation are beneficial. Provide plenty of caves, rockwork, and especially natural driftwood, which is an important part of their natural environment and diet.

Diet is particularly important with Panaque. Royal Plecos are specialized wood grazers and should have constant access to quality driftwood. Supplement this with algae and spirulina-based foods, sinking herbivore wafers, and vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber, squash, and spinach. While primarily herbivorous, they will also consume small amounts of animal-based foods, which can be included as part of a varied diet.

A mature aquarium with established biofilm and aufwuchs is ideal, but natural algae growth alone should not be considered sufficient nutrition. Regular supplemental feeding is important, particularly for wild-caught specimens as they acclimate to aquarium life.

Their peaceful nature makes Royal Plecos suitable for large community aquariums containing similarly sized, non-aggressive fish. They can be kept with peaceful tetras, larger Corydoras, other South American community fish, and appropriately sized tankmates. When housing multiple plecos, provide plenty of caves and separate territories to minimize competition.

Because this species can eventually reach a substantial adult size, prospective keepers should plan for its long-term space requirements rather than choosing a tank based on its juvenile size.

Difficulty: Moderate
Breeding: Cave spawner; males guard and care for eggs within suitable caves. Successful captive breeding is highly unlikely without a specialized setup.

Why We Like Them

• Iconic and highly desirable Royal Pleco

• Striking cream and dark striped pattern

• Impressive heavily armored appearance

• Specialized wood-grazing behavior

• Excellent centerpiece pleco for large aquariums

• Peaceful community temperament

• Fascinating nocturnal behavior

• Particularly attractive as a wild-caught specimen

All livestock is carefully quarantined and monitored before being offered for sale at Saburai Aquatics.