L190 Royal Pleco (Panaque nigrolineatus)

L190 Royal Pleco (Panaque nigrolineatus)

The L190 Royal Pleco (Panaque nigrolineatus) is one of the most impressive and sought-after plecos in the aquarium hobby. Renowned for its striking striped pattern, large size, and unique wood-eating behaviour, this magnificent species makes an exceptional centrepiece for spacious freshwater aquariums.

Native to the Rio Orinoco basin in Colombia and Venezuela, the L190 inhabits fast-flowing, oxygen-rich rivers where it spends much of its time grazing on driftwood and biofilm. A spacious aquarium with strong filtration, excellent water movement, and plenty of driftwood is essential for this species to thrive.

Although generally peaceful, Royal Plecos can become territorial towards other plecos and bottom-dwelling fish as they mature. They are best housed with medium to large community fish, peaceful cichlids, and other robust species in suitably sized aquariums.

Feeding

Unlike most plecos, the L190 Royal Pleco is a true wood-grazing species and requires driftwood as an essential part of its diet. Constant access to natural driftwood helps support healthy digestion.

Supplement their diet with high-quality herbivore pellets or algae wafers, along with fresh vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber, pumpkin, capsicum, green beans, and peas. They will also graze on biofilm and naturally occurring algae within the aquarium.

Due to their specialised diet, Royal Plecos produce a significant amount of waste, making powerful filtration and regular maintenance essential.

Why We Like This Fish

• Stunning striped pattern and impressive size

• Unique wood-eating behaviour

• Hardy and long-lived when properly cared for

• Excellent centrepiece for large aquariums

• Peaceful with most similarly sized fish

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Temperature: 22–30°C

• pH: 5.5–7.5

• KH: 0–30 dKH

• Minimum Aquarium Size: 450 litres for juveniles, 600 litres or larger for adults

• Preferred Setup: Strong filtration, high oxygen levels, abundant driftwood, caves, and open swimming space

Care Information

• Diet: Herbivore/Xylivore – requires driftwood as part of its diet, supplemented with herbivore pellets, algae wafers, fresh vegetables, and biofilm.

• Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive, particularly towards other plecos.

• Social Behaviour: Best kept singly or with other large bottom-dwellers only in very spacious aquariums.

• Origin: Rio Orinoco Basin, Colombia and Venezuela.

• Maximum Size: Approximately 40–45 cm.

• Tank Level: Bottom.

Compatibility: Suitable with larger tetras, silver dollars, Severums, Geophagus, peaceful cichlids, bichirs, and other robust community fish. Avoid housing multiple Royal Plecos or similar species unless the aquarium provides ample space and separate territories.

Please note: Sample photos are for reference only. Colour, pattern, and size may vary slightly as each fish is unique.