Watermelon Panaque L027 (Panaque armbrusteri) Care Guide
Panaque armbrusteri is a large wood-eating loricariid catfish from the Tapajos River basin in Brazil, reaching over 40 cm in length.
Overview
Panaque armbrusteri is a large loricariid catfish described by Lujan, Hidalgo and Stewart in 2010. It is a major wood-eating species from the Tapajos river system, reaching about 43 cm in total length, and is known in the hobby for its green-and-black banded pattern.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Panaque
- Scientific name: Panaque armbrusteri
- Describers: Lujan, Hidalgo & Stewart, 2010
- Trade designations: L027, Watermelon Pleco
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Tapajos River and its tributaries in Brazil. It is a freshwater, demersal species of tropical climates, associated with submerged wood in flowing water.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 700 L
- Temperature: 24-28 degrees Celsius (75-82 degrees Fahrenheit)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 dGH
- Water flow: moderate to strong
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
This large species needs a very spacious tank with abundant driftwood and powerful, oversized filtration.
Diet
Panaque are among the few vertebrates that feed extensively on wood, using spoon-shaped scraper teeth to rasp driftwood, with algae and aufwuchs forming part of the diet. A constant supply of driftwood is essential, supplemented with vegetable-based foods.
Compatibility
The species is peaceful but large and not plant-safe. Pair it with robust, calm fish and avoid aggressive or territorial plecos.
Breeding
As a cave-spawning loricariid, breeding is considered advanced and rarely achieved for such a large fish.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 7 November 2018).