Blue-Eyed Panaque L240 (Panaque cochliodon) Care Guide
Panaque cochliodon is a large jet-black wood-eating loricariid catfish endemic to the Cauca and Magdalena basins of Colombia, noted for blue eyes.
Overview
Panaque cochliodon is a large loricariid catfish described by Steindachner in 1879. It has a dark, almost jet-black body and distinctive eyes, and belongs to a genus famous for feeding on wood. FishBase gives a maximum length of 30 cm total length, with a captive record of 45 cm standard length.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Panaque
- Scientific name: Panaque cochliodon
- Describer: Steindachner, 1879
- Trade designations: L240, Blue-Eyed Plec
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Cauca and Magdalena River basins in Colombia. It is a freshwater, benthopelagic species of tropical climates. Panaque generally inhabit fast-flowing rivers and streams with submerged wood.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 600 L
- Temperature: 24-28 degrees Celsius (75-82 degrees Fahrenheit)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 4-15 dGH
- Water flow: moderate to strong
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
A large system with abundant driftwood and powerful filtration is essential for this large, messy species.
Diet
Panaque are among the very few vertebrates that feed extensively on wood. They use spoon-shaped, scraper-like teeth to rasp driftwood, and algae and aufwuchs form an important part of the diet. Continuous access to driftwood is required, supplemented with vegetable-based foods. Note that some research questions how much energy these fish actually obtain from wood itself.
Compatibility
The species is peaceful and bottom-dwelling but large and not plant-safe, as it will rasp soft plants and wood. Suitable companions are robust, calm fish; avoid aggressive or territorial plecos.
Breeding
As a cave-spawning loricariid, breeding is considered advanced and is rarely achieved for this large species.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (assessed 10 October 2014).