Panaqolus sp.

L403

Etymology

Panaqolus: a diminutive form of the generic name Panaque.

Classification

Order: Siluriformes Family: Loricariidae

Distribution

Known only from the rio Anapu, a tributary of the lower Amazon basin in Pará state, Brazil.

Maximum Standard Length

100 – 120 mm.

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

An aquarium with base dimensions of 120 ∗ 30 cm or equivalent should be the smallest considered.

Maintenance

Not difficult to maintain under the correct conditions; we strongly recommend keeping it in a tank designed to simulate a flowing stream with a substrate of variably-sized rocks, sand, fine gravel, and some water-worn boulders.

This can be further furnished with driftwood branches, terracotta pipes, plant pots, etc., arranged to form a network of nooks, crannies, and shaded spots, thus providing broken lines of sight.

Driftwood in particular is highly-recommended since this species feeds on wood (see ‘Diet’).

Water Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 30 °C

pH: 6.0 – 7.0

Hardness: 36 – 179 ppm

Diet

This species is xylophagous (feeds primarily on wood) therefore must be provided with a selection of driftwood in its aquarium, and this can be supplemented by proprietary dried products designed for wood-eating fishes.

It should not be offered meaty foods as it’s unable to digest them efficiently.

Sexual Dimorphism

Adult males possess prominent odontodes on the rear portion of the body.

Reproduction

Has been bred in aquaria.

NotesTop ↑

This species is currently banned from export.