Panaque (Panaqolus ?) sp. L204  

A very beautiful little fellow with a unique marking, this catfish is a nice addition to any medium sized tank. Will accept a wide range of pH values (6.5-7.8) and will thrive as long as there is a piece of wood to chew and some vegetable matter in its diet. Nocturnal and secretive at first will become more brave (and visible) as time passes by although it will take quite longer - compared to other catfishes. The base color is dark brown (or black) with yellow thin vertical lines starting from the top of the body. It will reach a final size of 13,5 cm as reported in the literature but the one I keep is already 15 cm. The growth rate is significantly reduced lately, which probably indicates that this is about as large as it will get (perhaps 1-2 cm more). Although getting a Panaque to keep your tank clean of algae is not the first thing that may cross your mind, this little beauty will do an excellent work. Along with its team mate (Acanthicus adonis) they keep their tank in excellent condition. Actually it is one of the very few tanks which has never showed any type of algae despite heavy feeding. Mostly found under stones or its beloved bogwood it will occasionally come out to eat during the day - especially if no food is given during the night. When housed with small cichlids it will not have any troubles - even during their spawning ritual. This specimen is kept with a pair of fully grown Cryptoheros nigrofasciatus and a trio of Haplochomis sp. "fire" without any serious problems. On the contrary, when "pushed" while in its shelter, it will reach really violently, something my cichlids learned very quickly.

See also recommendations for Panaque sp.

Photo by G.Reclos-MCH