Panaqolus sp. L397
Panaqolus sp. L397 is a smaller species of the Loricariidae family. The species is found in the Rio Curuá-Una, a tributary of the Amazon, near Alenquer.
Description
L397 can be recognized by the distinctive orange-black stripes covering the body and fins. The pattern on the head of the fish is much denser and more complex, which makes the fish appear to have a special mask.
The fish grows to 11 to 15 centimetres. Adult males develop odontes, females don’t.
Diet
Panaqolus sp. L397 is omnivorous. Like almost all panaqolus species, their diet consists mainly of plant matter and wood. In addition to vegetable food, L397 will also like to eat a mosquito larva.
The Aquarium
An aquarium with a bottom surface of 100 × 30 centimetres, or something similar, is sufficient. Make sure there is enough wood and surfaces for the fish to rest on or under. Plants can be eaten.
The L397 can be combined with other peace-loving Armored Catfish, Tetras and Cichlids, as long as they are not too aggressive.
The fish appreciate a somewhat lower pH, a temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius. This fish makes relatively few demands on the hardness of the water, even when breeding. They certainly appreciate good water circulation.
Breeding L397
L397 are cave spawners. Females lay between 25 and 40 eggs of about 6 millimeters in diameter. The males aerate and protect the eggs. The fry are relatively easy to raise, but make sure you have enough soft wood and algae tablets.
Video
Author
Pascal Fernhout-Klomp
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