L397 Panaqolus (Panaqolus sp. L397) Care Guide
Panaqolus sp. L397 is a small banded wood-eating loricariid catfish from Brazil, well suited to community tanks built around driftwood.
Overview
Panaqolus sp. L397 is a small, undescribed banded loricariid catfish in the genus Panaqolus, a group of small catfishes related to the wood-eating panaques. It is reported from Brazil and is a peaceful species suited to community wood-eater setups.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Panaqolus
- Scientific name: Panaqolus sp. L397
- Trade designation: L397
Habitat
The L397 form is reported from Brazil. The genus Panaqolus inhabits tropical South American rivers, where wood-eating loricariids associate with submerged logs and branches in flowing water.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 24-28 degrees Celsius (75-82 degrees Fahrenheit)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Provide driftwood as a permanent feature, plus caves and clean, oxygenated water.
Diet
Like related panaques, Panaqolus rasp wood, so driftwood should be available as a dietary staple, supplemented with vegetable-based foods and aufwuchs. It is nocturnal.
Compatibility
The species is peaceful and bottom-dwelling, well suited to community tanks with calm fish such as tetras and Corydoras. Aggressive or territorial plecos should be avoided.
Breeding
As a cave-spawning loricariid, breeding is considered advanced.