Species profile
Alenquer Tiger Pleco
Panaqolus sp. L397
Peaceful
Moderate care
150 L minimum aquarium
10–13 cm adult size
Bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
L397 remains an undescribed but stable L-number identity. Preserve the code rather than inventing a species binomial.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
25–29 °C
pH
5.5–7.5
GH
2–12 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
2.2
Generally peaceful with other fish but adult males may defend caves from similar loricariids. Supply multiple caves if keeping more than one.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
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
8–12 years
Diet type
Herbivore
Minimum aquarium volume
150 L
Minimum footprint
90 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Panaqolus sp. L397
Alternative names
L397, Alenquer Tiger Pleco, Alenquer Tiger Panaqolus
Native range
Rio Curuá-Una near Alenquer, Pará, Brazil.
Natural habitat
Warm oxygenated Amazon tributary habitat with wood, rock and crevices.
Diet & feeding
Wood/aufwuchs-associated grazer. Provide safe soft wood continuously plus vegetable foods and quality algae/plant-based sinking foods, with modest supplementary protein.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males develop stronger odontodes on the body and pectoral spines; females are smoother and fuller.
Breeding
Male cave-spawner; males guard eggs and fry inside a suitable tight cave.