Titan Panaque L191 (Panaque sp. L191) Care Guide
Panaque sp. L191 is a very large wood-eating loricariid catfish from Colombia, part of the group associated with the titan panaque.
Overview
Panaque sp. L191 is a very large wood-eating loricariid catfish associated in the hobby with the titan panaque group. The closely linked species Panaque titan was described by Lujan, Hidalgo and Stewart in 2010 and reaches at least 39 cm in standard length; the L191 form originates from Colombia and grows similarly large.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Panaque
- Scientific name: Panaque sp. L191
- Related described species: Panaque titan (Lujan, Hidalgo & Stewart, 2010)
- Trade designations: L191, Titan Pleco
Habitat
The L191 form is reported from Colombia. The genus Panaque inhabits fast-flowing tropical rivers and streams with submerged wood across South American basins including the Magdalena, Orinoco and Amazon.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 800 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 is one of the largest aquarium plecos and requires a very large system with abundant driftwood and extremely powerful filtration.
Diet
Panaque feed extensively on wood, rasping driftwood with spoon-shaped scraper teeth, while algae and aufwuchs form an important part of the diet. A constant supply of driftwood is essential, supplemented with vegetable-based foods.
Compatibility
The species is peaceful but very large and not plant-safe. House it with robust, calm fish and avoid aggressive or territorial plecos.
Breeding
As a cave-spawning loricariid, breeding is considered advanced and is rarely achieved for such a large fish.