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Royal Pleco

Panaque nigrolineatus complex

Royal Pleco (Panaque nigrolineatus complex) is a solo centerpiece fish for a cycled 125+ gallon freshwater aquarium. Plan for about 17 inches as an adult, 73-82°F water, pH 6-7.6, and moderate care. Keep only one per tank, and choose tankmates with matching water needs and low aggression.

FlashyModerate care
Royal Pleco, a flashy 17 inch aquarium species for 125+ gallon tanks
125 galMinimum tank
17 inAdult size
1Schooling minimum
73-82°FTemperature

Water Range

pH
6-7.6
GH
2-15 dGH
KH
1-10 dKH

Behavior

Temperament
Moderate
Fin nipping
1/5
Territory
3/5

Diet and Care

Diet
xylivore/omnivore
Diet difficulty
3/5
Care difficulty
3/5

Planning Notes

Moderate care needs; may require mature grazing surfaces or supplemental fresh/frozen foods.

This species may need live, frozen, fresh, or otherwise specialized foods.

live or fresh foodwood grazerlarge adult sizehigh bioloadneeds review

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