Tiger Pleco

L002 Tiger Pleco is a small, wood-eating Panaqolus from Brazil with a distinct dark band pattern over a yellowish-brown base color. It reaches about 10–12 cm and fits well in smaller and medium-sized aquariums.

The appearance varies somewhat between individuals. The base color is usually beige, yellowish-brown or light brown, while dark transverse bands run across the body and fins. In younger fish, the pattern is often more distinct and contrasting than in older specimens. The body shape is compact with a relatively broad head and strong pectoral fins. Just like other species within Panaqolus, it has specialized teeth adapted for scraping wood, biofilm and organic material from hard surfaces. Adult males often develop more prominent odontodes on the pectoral fins and along the rear part of the body. The species is normally peaceful towards other fish but can become territorial towards conspecifics and other small L-catfish, especially when caves and hiding places are limited.

L002 thrives best in a well-filtered aquarium with plenty of roots, caves and hiding places. Clean, oxygen-rich water and several separate territories are more important than a large open swimming area.

A single specimen can be kept in a relatively moderate aquarium, but the bottom area is more important than the total water volume. For multiple specimens, the aquarium should be long enough to allow several clearly defined territories. Roots and wood should be a permanent part of the setup. The fish uses them both as hiding places and as foraging areas. Supplement with stones, ceramic caves and other dark spaces. The water should be kept stable and clean. A temperature around 24–28 °C works well, as does slightly acidic to neutral water. Strong biological filtration is an advantage because the species produces relatively large amounts of waste. Regular water changes and good oxygenation reduce the risk of problems. L002 appreciates some current but does not need an extremely flowy aquarium. Plants are not necessary. Soft plant parts can sometimes be damaged when the fish searches for food, but hardier plants can work well if they are firmly anchored.

L002 is a cave-spawning catfish that can be bred in an aquarium. The male chooses a narrow cave, guards the eggs and stays with the fry until they are developed enough to leave the cave.

For breeding, there should be several caves of different sizes and shapes. The male usually chooses a spot where he can block the opening with his body and keep other fish out. When a female is ready to spawn, she enters the cave and lays the eggs there. After fertilization, she usually leaves the area while the male takes over all brood care. The male fans water over the eggs to ensure good oxygenation and keeps the cave clean. During this period, he can become significantly more territorial than usual. When the fry hatch, they stay in the cave until the yolk sac is consumed. After that, they gradually begin to leave the hiding place and search for food on their own. An adult breeding group can consist of one male and several females. Good conditioning with varied food, regular water changes and stable water parameters normally increase the chances of spawning.

L002 is primarily a wood- and plant-eater. The diet should be based on wood, fiber-rich vegetable food and vegetables, with smaller amounts of animal protein as a supplement.

As a staple food, sinking vegetable tablets, high-fiber pellets and foods based on e.g. spirulina or algae work well. Vegetables such as zucchini, bell pepper, green peas, sweet potato and cucumber can be given regularly. Variety is an advantage, both for nutritional content and to stimulate natural foraging. Animal protein can be given in smaller amounts, for example shrimp, Artemia or insect-based food. However, it should be a supplement rather than the main diet. Feeding in the evening often works best because L002 becomes more active when the lighting is dimmed. For multiple specimens, it is good to place the food in several spots so that dominant fish cannot control all the food.