Species profile
Royal Pleco
Panaque nigrolineatus
Semi aggressive
Hard care
600 L minimum aquarium
40–50 cm adult size
Bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Large wood-eating pleco. Heavy waste producer; needs big driftwood and strong filtration.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH
2–15 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate–high
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
None
Bioload factor
5
Very large wood-grazing pleco with heavy waste output. Adults can be territorial toward other large loricariids; provide separate retreats and major floor area.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Herbivore
Minimum aquarium volume
600 L
Minimum footprint
180 × 60 cm
Accepted scientific name
Panaque nigrolineatus
Alternative names
Royal Pleco, Royal Panaque, L190 Royal Plec
Native range
South America: Orinoco basin and southern middle/lower Amazon tributaries.
Natural habitat
Wood-rich river habitat. Substantial real driftwood is essential for grazing and shelter; combine it with high oxygen, strong biological filtration and large caves.
Diet & feeding
Xylophagous/plant-focused grazer consuming wood, plant material and associated biofilm. Provide abundant real wood plus vegetable foods and quality pleco diets; avoid excessive animal protein.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Reliable external sexing is difficult; mature males may develop stronger odontodes and broader head/pectoral structures, but vent/genital examination is more dependable.
Breeding
Large loricariid cave/spawn-site breeder in principle, but dependable home-aquarium breeding information for P. nigrolineatus is limited; do not present commercial breeding as routine.