All fish / Loricariidae

Tiger Pleco

Panaqolus changae

Also known as l206, l-206, lda 66, flash pleco, tiger panaque, peruvian tiger pleco, clown pleco, L206

A small wood-eating pleco with a dark body crossed by bold yellow to orange bands that carry through to the fins. It stays small enough for modest community tanks and is valued for its striking pattern and peaceful nature towards other species.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

24 to 30 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Single or a group with plenty of caves

Diet

Omnivore: driftwood (essential), vegetables such as courgette, algae wafers, occasional frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Peru: upper Amazon basin (Marañón and Nanay drainages)

Breeding

A cave spawner in which the male guards the eggs and larvae inside a snug cave. Captive breeding has been achieved but is not routine, usually needing soft, warm, well-oxygenated water.

Good to know

Must have driftwood to rasp, and males can squabble over caves. Several similar banded Panaqolus species are sold under the same L-numbers, so identities in the trade are often uncertain.