L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco - Adult (No Online Purchases)

TheL397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco (Panaqolus sp.) is a stunning and relatively peaceful pleco known for its vibrant orange and black stripes. A 4cm specimen is still juvenile, so here's what you need to know about its care, keeping in mind its future adult size:  

Appearance:

• At 4cm, it will already display the characteristic bold orange and black stripes across its body and fins. The intensity of the orange can vary.
• The stripes are usually well-defined, giving it a striking "tiger" pattern.
• It has a typical pleco body shape with a suckermouth.
• They can grow to a maximum size of around 10-13 cm (4-5 inches).

Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: Even at 4cm, a tank of at least120 liters (30 gallons) is recommended for the long term. As they mature and become more active, a larger tank (e.g., 180 liters/50 gallons) would be even better to provide ample swimming space and territories.  
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 24-29°C (75-84°F). A reliable heater is essential to maintain stable tropical temperatures.
  • pH: 6.0-7.7, with 6.5-7.5 being ideal.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2-15 dKH).
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm.
  • Nitrate: Below 20 ppm through regular water changes.
• Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel is best to protect their bellies and barbels.  
• Decorations: Plenty ofdriftwood is crucial as they are "wood-eating" plecos and need to rasp on it for digestion. Also provide caves, rock structures, and hiding places to make them feel secure, as they can be somewhat shy, especially when young.  
• Water Flow: Moderate to good water flow with proper oxygenation is beneficial.

Temperament and Tank Mates:

• L397 Alenquer Tiger Plecos are generallypeaceful and can be kept in community tanks with other non-aggressive fish of similar size and temperament.  
• They can be territorial towards their own species, so if keeping more than one, ensure a larger tank with plenty of individual hiding spots.
• Good tank mates include: Tetras, Rasboras, smaller peaceful catfish (like Corydoras), and small, peaceful cichlids.
• Avoid housing them with large or very active bottom dwellers that might outcompete them for food. They might also prey on very small shrimp fry.

Diet:

• L397 Alenquer Tiger Plecos areomnivores with a significant need for wood in their diet.  
• Essential: Provide driftwood at all times.  
• Staple foods: High-quality algae wafers and sinking pellets (including those with some vegetable matter).  
• Vegetables: Supplement their diet with fresh, blanched vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, shelled peas, and spinach.  
• Occasional treats: Small amounts of live or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and insect larvae can be offered.