All fish / Loricariidae

Panaqolus dentex

Panaqolus dentex

Also known as l271, lda 41, pleco dentex, dentex panaque, panaque dentex

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A small, fairly plain brown to dark grey suckermouth catfish from Peru, recognisable by its stout head and strong spoon-shaped teeth. It belongs to the wood-eating Panaqolus group and is kept by pleco enthusiasts who want a compact, unusual species for a planted-free or wood-heavy tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

11 cm

Temperature

24 to 29 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

100 litres

Keep as

Single or a group with plenty of caves; males are territorial

Diet

Herbivore: bogwood to rasp, blanched vegetables, algae wafers, occasional frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Amazon basin, Peru (Ucayali and Marañón drainages)

Breeding

A cave spawner in which the male guards the eggs and young inside a tight cave. Captive breeding has rarely been reported, so it is considered difficult.

Good to know

Needs real driftwood in the diet and produces a lot of waste, so good filtration is essential. Males squabble over caves, so give each one its own hiding place.