All fish / Loricariidae

Tanke's Panaqolus

Panaqolus tankei

Also known as l445, tanke's pleco, tankei pleco, l-445, panaque tankei, banded dwarf pleco, L445, L445异型

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A small, wood-eating suckermouth catfish with a brownish body crossed by darker bands, traded under the L-number L445. It is kept for its manageable size, attractive banding and useful habit of grazing in planted or wood-filled tanks.

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 a small group with plenty of caves

Diet

Omnivore: soft driftwood to rasp on, blanched vegetables, algae wafers and occasional frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Peru: upper Amazon basin (Río Ucayali/Marañón drainages)

Breeding

A cave spawner in which the male guards the eggs and young inside a tight cave. Captive spawning has been reported by dedicated hobbyists but is not routine.

Good to know

Driftwood must always be available as it forms a key part of the diet. Males can be territorial towards other bottom dwellers over caves, and similar banded Panaqolus species are often mixed up in trade.