Tocantins Tiger Pleco (L002)

The Tocantins tiger pleco is a small Panaqolus named "tiger" for its pattern of alternating light and dark bands. It has not yet been scientifically described and is known by the number L002; paler fish have been sold as L074. Adults reach 10–11 cm.

Like the clown pleco it is a wood-eating species. In the wild it lives in clear, fast-flowing stretches of the Tocantins River full of branches and trunks.

• 100 liters for one or two fish.
• Several pieces of driftwood are a must; caves and spaces under roots.
• Strong mechanical filtration and regular gravel vacuuming (plenty of sawdust-like waste).
• 26–28°C, good aeration.

Wood fiber is part of its diet. Make blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach and vegetable sinking tablets the staple; protein-rich food can be given once a week. Too much protein can lead to digestive problems.

Peaceful and nocturnal. Males of its own kind push each other around over wood and caves, but it leaves other species alone. It usually does not harm plants.

Good companions: Tetras, rasboras, corydoras, dwarf cichlids, gouramis.

Avoid: Large cichlids that claim the bottom, large territorial plecos.