Panaque armbrusteri (L027)

Panaque armbrusteri is a large, wood-eating Panaque known by the number L027. It was described from the Tapajós River in 2010; similar forms from the Tocantins, Araguaia and Xingu are sold in the trade as "L027" and "Panaque cf. armbrusteri". It looks very similar to the royal pleco (P. nigrolineatus).

Juveniles are sold small, but it grows slowly to 35–40 cm and produces a lot of waste. Before buying one, make sure you will be able to set up a large aquarium in the future.

• At least 500 liters and 150 cm length for one adult.
• Large, hard roots and spacious caves.
• A canister filter or sump, weekly gravel vacuuming; it may gnaw on plants.

Gnawing on wood is part of its diet. Make blanched zucchini, cucumber, potato, spinach and vegetable sinking tablets the staple; protein-rich food should be given rarely.

Calm toward other species; it defends its territory against its own kind and other large plecos. It is nocturnal and spends the day under roots or in its cave.

Good companions: Large tetras, silver dollars, Geophagus species, large rainbowfish.

Avoid: Small aquariums, other large plecos (in limited space), delicate planted layouts.