Panaqolus cf. nocturnus
LDA028 Panaque Pleco (Panaqolus cf. nocturnus)
LDA028 Panaque Pleco (Panaqolus cf. nocturnus)
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Remarks: The LDA028 panaque pleco (Panaqolus cf. nocturnus), also known as the Peru orange longtail panaque, is one whose exact ID and species is still under scrutiny where it even has a second L-number it has been labelled under, LDA027. Currently, they are believed to be either a locality or subspecies of the L329 dusky panaque (Panaqolus nocturnus), but this is still up for review.
An attractive feature of the LDA028 panaque pleco is that it is very variable in regards to appearance. At times, it can be a solid dark, charcoal gray while other times it can have lighter gray striations be present in both the body and fins. Sometimes, these striations take on an orange or gold hue adding a nice flash of color. However, what usually draws most to this elegant species are the long, flowing streamers that extend from the tips of their caudal (tail) fin. While the LDA028 panaque pleco is known to be rather robust, these extensions are very delicate so caution should be taken when choosing tankmates as some fish may try to nip their fins.
Currently, the LDA028 panaque pleco is known to specifically occur in the Pastaza River basins as well as the upper Napo drainage in Peru. These areas have heavy flow providing high amounts of dissolved oxygen as well as lots of submerged wood for these plecos to graze on like others in their genus. To thrive, LDA028 panaque pleco will need to be provided both of these things as well as plenty of space as they are one of the largest of their genus, typically growing to about six inches in length. They are fairly docile but can be territorial to conspecifics so if keeping more than one, be sure to provide plenty of extra space and caves to ease any territorial aggression. LDA028 panaque plecos are known to eat plants as well so we do not recommend keeping them in planted aquariums.
Like other Loricariids that are frequently called "wood-eaters," when the LDA028 panaque pleco grazes on driftwood, they are not actually digesting the wood. Instead, these herbivore leaning omnivores are actually digesting the microbes, fungi, algae, and other things living in and on the surface of the wood. So, while they should be provided lots of driftwood to graze on, LDA028 panaque plecos should not be expected to subsist only on this and should be fed like any other fish. Fresh vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, and sweet potatoes along with prepared foods like algae wafers are all great choices to feed them. Also like other "wood-eaters," their grazing habits result in lots of waste production. To combat their high waste production and keep their water pristine, it is recommended to provide the LDA028 panaque pleco with heavy aeration, over-filtration, and frequent water changes.
With the right care and environment, the LDA028 panaque pleco is an excellent and unique addition to the aquarium. They make fantastic members of a community tank of medium-large sized fish that share similar water parameters such as in a South American cichlid community tank.
Animal Data
Animal Data
- Native to: Peru
- Breeding: Wild-caught in Peru
- Max adult size: 5-6"
- Diet: Herbivore
- Social behavior: Peaceful
- Care skill: Intermediate
Tank Parameters
Tank Parameters
- Temp range: 75°F - 83°F
- pH range: 6.0 - 7.5
- TDS range: 15 ppm - 150 ppm
- Min Tank Size:
Shipping Info
Shipping Info
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS/FedEx Overnight | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS/FedEx Overnight | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS/FedEx Overnight | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 |
UPS/FedEx Overnight |
$69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS/FedEx Overnight 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS/FedEx Overnight -2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS/FedEx 1 Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
Why buy from us?
Our Healthy & Happy Arrival guarantee
We've been packing and shipping live fish for over 50 years. When you buy from us, you get the healthiest stock and most experienced live fish shipping in the industry. So you know you won't be disappointed!
Will my fish look like the picture?
The majority of fish on our website will NOT look like their photos upon their unboxing. Fish change in appearance depending on many factors, including mood, age, gender, and social status. Fish will naturally lose color during shipping and may appear faded upon arrival. Pictures are used as examples only. Pictures may be of mature fish with full color or juvenile fish without color. We encourage you to research the species as much as possible prior to ordering in order to familiarize yourself with the various appearances they may take on. Many species have females that look drastically different to their male counterparts, and many juveniles will not have as much color (or different colors) as their adult forms. If you have questions about how the fish will look, please review their information and email us if you have any questions.
How do I know which fish can go together in my tank?
Research the product descriptions on our website and use Google search to help decide which fish can go together. PLEASE do your research and email us if you have any questions. Also, we have a very active Facebook group called Imperial Tropicals Fishkeepers where you can learn from knowledgable and experienced fishkeepers.
How do you ship live fish? Sounds risky!
We've been shipping live fish for over 50 years. we use specialized packaging and techniques to ensure their health. See how we do it.
How much does shipping cost?
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS/FedEx Overnight | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS/FedEx Overnight | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS/FedEx Overnight | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 |
UPS/FedEx Overnight |
$69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS/FedEx Overnight 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS/FedEx Overnight -2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS/FedEx 1 Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
When will I get my order?
We need 2-4 days to select and pack your fish, you'll get a notification when it ships along with tracking info. It will arrive the next day or day after, depending on your location. See our Shipping Policy for full info.
What if my order is delayed? Will my fish be OK?
We ship hundreds of packages a week, and most are delivered without any issues thanks to our experienced team and premium air courier service. Our high-tech packaging is designed to sustain the animals a minimum of 2-3 days in the box, and in some cases longer, depending on the breed.
However, sometimes delays do occur. If this happens to your order, please document and contact us promptly following our inspection and documentation policies above in order to receive credit.
Can I change or cancel my order after it is placed?
Orders can be changed or cancelled within 24 hours, subject to a 10% restocking fee. Shipping is stressful for the animals and we cannot open boxes once they have been prepped and packed.
Can you hold my order until my tank is ready?
We can hold for a few days, but not beyond a week as inventory changes rapidly. Please only place your order when you know you will be ready to receive them.
What if my order is missing something?
First, please check the box and packaging thoroughly. If you are sure an item is missing please contact us immediately.
Do you offer pickup on local orders?
Yes! Just specify local pickup as your shipping option in checkout and we'll let you know when it is ready.
What if a fish I receive seems dead, sick or doesn't look right?
97% of our orders arrive without an issue. But if something goes wrong, no worries! You're covered under our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee