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L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco 4-5cm

Description

The L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco is a remarkably rare and colourful species that is now available as a tank-bred specimen and is a very manageable species for the home aquarium!

The L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco (Panaqolus sp.) is an exceptionally colourful and rare loricariid (suckermouth catfish) species that has been successfully tank-bred commercially in just the last few years. Its bright orange and black striping are very distinguishable and among the most striking colourations of the hundreds of known plecos. Like many plecos, the L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco has generally been a wild-caught species, but we are proud to offer tank-raised juveniles of this beautiful fish at a fraction of the price of other stores!

A generally peaceful and hardy species, the L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco is an excellent, undemanding candidate for most aquariums. Unlike the widely-seen Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) and Trinidad Pleco (Hypostomus punctatus), which easily reach a monstrous size of 18 to 20+ inches (45 to 51+ cm), the L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco grows to a maximum size of only around 5 inches (12.7 cm). This smaller size makes for a much more manageable (and less messy) pleco that can thrive permanently in a well-maintained aquarium as small as 30 to 40 gallons. Male plecos may be somewhat territorial with other males of their species, but disputes can usually be diffused by providing ample territory and hiding places for each fish. All other tank mates will be generally ignored, although it is possible that small shrimp fry might fall prey to the omnivorous L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco.

The L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco is primarily nocturnal, but will often become active during daytime hours once established in an aquarium with plenty of driftwood, rocks, and other hiding places. Like its larger cousins of the Panaque genus, the L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco is a "wood eating" pleco whose sucker mouth contains teeth that rasp biofilm from driftwood. It is ideal to have multiple driftwood pieces upon which this fish can graze, and at least some wood must be present at all times. The L397 Alenquer Tiger is not a particularly efficient algae eater, but its rasping habits may result in damage to ornamental plants, particularly in smaller tanks. It is possible that it would not do noticeable damage to more durable plants in a fairly large tank with plenty of driftwood. It will also appreciate being fed some fresh vegetables such as shelled peas, spinach, zucchini, and cucumber, or dry and frozen foods that are very rich in vegetable matter.

What We Like About This Fish:
An extremely beautiful, very peaceful, and hardy addition to almost any aquarium.
At a maximum size of 5 inches, this is a very practical and manageable fish.
Superb tank-bred juvenile specimens
The L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco is an aquarium fish with a unique appearance as well as plenty of personality.

RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:
Temperature: 79° - 84° F (26° - 29° C)
pH: 6.5 - 7.5 (flexible as long as sudden changes are avoided)
KH: 6 - 10 dKH
Minimum tank size: 30 gallons

CARE GUIDELINES:
Diet: Omnivorous, see above.
Social behaviour: Generally solitary, but will socialise somewhat, especially during breeding.
Origin: Tank-bred, but indigenous to Lower Amazon, South America.
Average adult size: Up to 5 inches (12.7 cm)
Average purchase size: .5 - 1.5 inches (1.2 - 3.5 cm)

L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco 4-5cm

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$69.00


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    Description

    The L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco is a remarkably rare and colourful species that is now available as a tank-bred specimen and is a very manageable species for the home aquarium!

    The L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco (Panaqolus sp.) is an exceptionally colourful and rare loricariid (suckermouth catfish) species that has been successfully tank-bred commercially in just the last few years. Its bright orange and black striping are very distinguishable and among the most striking colourations of the hundreds of known plecos. Like many plecos, the L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco has generally been a wild-caught species, but we are proud to offer tank-raised juveniles of this beautiful fish at a fraction of the price of other stores!

    A generally peaceful and hardy species, the L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco is an excellent, undemanding candidate for most aquariums. Unlike the widely-seen Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) and Trinidad Pleco (Hypostomus punctatus), which easily reach a monstrous size of 18 to 20+ inches (45 to 51+ cm), the L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco grows to a maximum size of only around 5 inches (12.7 cm). This smaller size makes for a much more manageable (and less messy) pleco that can thrive permanently in a well-maintained aquarium as small as 30 to 40 gallons. Male plecos may be somewhat territorial with other males of their species, but disputes can usually be diffused by providing ample territory and hiding places for each fish. All other tank mates will be generally ignored, although it is possible that small shrimp fry might fall prey to the omnivorous L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco.

    The L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco is primarily nocturnal, but will often become active during daytime hours once established in an aquarium with plenty of driftwood, rocks, and other hiding places. Like its larger cousins of the Panaque genus, the L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco is a "wood eating" pleco whose sucker mouth contains teeth that rasp biofilm from driftwood. It is ideal to have multiple driftwood pieces upon which this fish can graze, and at least some wood must be present at all times. The L397 Alenquer Tiger is not a particularly efficient algae eater, but its rasping habits may result in damage to ornamental plants, particularly in smaller tanks. It is possible that it would not do noticeable damage to more durable plants in a fairly large tank with plenty of driftwood. It will also appreciate being fed some fresh vegetables such as shelled peas, spinach, zucchini, and cucumber, or dry and frozen foods that are very rich in vegetable matter.

    What We Like About This Fish:
    An extremely beautiful, very peaceful, and hardy addition to almost any aquarium.
    At a maximum size of 5 inches, this is a very practical and manageable fish.
    Superb tank-bred juvenile specimens
    The L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco is an aquarium fish with a unique appearance as well as plenty of personality.

    RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:
    Temperature: 79° - 84° F (26° - 29° C)
    pH: 6.5 - 7.5 (flexible as long as sudden changes are avoided)
    KH: 6 - 10 dKH
    Minimum tank size: 30 gallons

    CARE GUIDELINES:
    Diet: Omnivorous, see above.
    Social behaviour: Generally solitary, but will socialise somewhat, especially during breeding.
    Origin: Tank-bred, but indigenous to Lower Amazon, South America.
    Average adult size: Up to 5 inches (12.7 cm)
    Average purchase size: .5 - 1.5 inches (1.2 - 3.5 cm)

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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