Description

In recent times, L397 has become increasingly popular in the hobby. This is certainly due to the very striking coloration of juveniles. It's actually a very rare species in the hobby, but due to some successful breeders like Cristoffer Forssander in Sweden, significant numbers of L397 are now on the market. It's a hardy and easy to maintain species as long as wood is provided for their diet.​

Facts:

Name: Panaqolus sp. “L397”

Trade names: L397

Origin: Rio Curuá-Una, Brazil.

Maximum size: 13 cm / 5''

Panaqolus species are great aquarium fish. They need shelter in the form of wood and rocks, and if they feel safe they will venture out in search of food even during daytime. They prefer a vegetarian diet, and of course wood is essential for their digestion. Some crustaceans and insect larvae can be added to their diet, but a diet consisting of too much protein and too little vegetarian food can cause trouble. They are peaceful Plecos, but males can be quarrelsome over territories and food. Panaqolus species are slightly more challenging to breed than many other popular Plecos, but it's usually all a matter of time and patience. When they do, they breed in typical Loricariidae manner with the male guarding the brood in his cave. Usually, male Panaqolus develop quite impressive odontodal growth on their flanks and on their fins. L397 is similar to a lot of other Panaqolus forms/species, mostly P.changae from Peru. L397 can be recognized by the very dense wormline pattern on the head and the light borders of the black stripes. Next to L374, L397 is probably the most striking of the Brazilian Panaqolus species.