All fish / Loricariidae

Nocturnal Panaque

Panaqolus nocturnus

Also known as l-322, ldA-?, nocturnal panaqolus, nocturnus pleco, dark panaque pleco

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A small, dark wood-eating pleco with a plain blackish brown body and a stout, armoured shape. It is kept by catfish enthusiasts who like compact Panaqolus species and want a nocturnal grazer that stays manageable in size.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

24 to 29 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Singly or in a small group with plenty of caves

Diet

Herbivore: soft wood, vegetables such as courgette and cucumber, algae wafers, with occasional meaty foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Peru: upper Amazon basin (Marañón, Huallaga and Ucayali drainages)

Breeding

A cave spawner in which the male guards the eggs inside a tight cave. Captive breeding is rarely reported and is considered difficult.

Good to know

Needs driftwood in the tank as part of its diet and produces a lot of waste, so good filtration is important. Males can be territorial towards other bottom dwellers.