Flash Pleco (Panaqolus albivermis) Care Guide

A compact wood-eating pleco from Peru with a black body crossed by thin white or cream-colored lines. As a true xylivore, driftwood is essential in its diet and habitat.

Overview

Panaqolus albivermis is a species in the family Loricariidae. A compact wood-eating pleco from Peru with a black body crossed by thin white or cream-colored lines. As a true xylivore, driftwood is essential in its diet and habitat. Easy to keep for a pleco species, making it a great entry point into the world of L-number catfish for beginners.

Taxonomy

Family: Loricariidae
Genus: Panaqolus
Scientific name: Panaqolus albivermis
Other names: L204, Panaqolus albivermis, Peru Stripe Pleco
Origin: South America

Habitat

Endemic to the Rio Ucayali basin of Peru. Inhabits warm clearwater rivers with submerged wood. Traded under the L-number L204; a member of the wood-eating genus Panaqolus that requires driftwood in the diet to aid digestion.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 80 L
Temperature: 24-28 °C
pH: 5.5-7.5
GH: 2-12 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 8-10 cm
Lifespan: 8-12 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as herbivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 1x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Tetras, Corydoras, Rasboras, Dwarf Cichlids, Other peaceful fish
Avoid with: Large aggressive fish, Other wood-eating plecos in small tanks

Breeding

Breeding strategy: cave-spawner
Breeding difficulty: intermediate