Panaque nigrolineatus, the royal panaque, royal plec, or royal pleco, is an herbivorous freshwater armored catfish native to Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela where it occurs in the Orinoco and Amazon basins. It is known for being one of the few fish that digest wood. They are arable to survive for a long period of time only on a wood-only, xylophagous diet. It grows to a length of 43cm (17inches) and is a popular aquarium fish.
The royal panaque is closely related to the popular plecostomus catfish kept in many aquaria as an algae eater. While the royal panaque also eats algae, it is best known among biologists as being among the very few fish capable of eating and digesting wood. It does so using symbiotic gut bacteria. Royal panaques are light grey in colour patterned with dark grey squiggles. They have red eyes and the dorsal fins are edged with cream or gold. The body is encased in heavy armour, except for the belly, which is soft. This armour is made of strong plates of skin, not scales. Royal panaques can grow to 43 centimetres (17 in) in length. Because they are heavy and inflexible, they do not swim well, but they do have a strong sucker-like mouth that enables them to hold onto rocks and wood in fast flowing waters.
P. nigrolineatus is the type species of its genus.
There are currently two described subspecies: Panaque nigrolineatus laurafabiane (Watermelon pleco) and P. n. nigrolineatus (the nominate subspecies). P. n. laurafabiane is found in the Guaviare river in the southwest Orinoco basin. It is known as the 'Watermelon pleco' in the aquarium trade. This subspecies' wild population is under intense pressure from harvest for the ornamental fish trade.[1]
The royal panaque can be found in the Orinoco River as well as a number of tributaries of the Amazon River.
There are several undescribed varieties of Panaque that are very similar to Panaque nigrolineatus and are commonly traded as aquarium fish.[2] These may be regional variations, subspecies, or closely related species. All share the same basic colouration but vary in the shape and distribution of the stripes and the amount of cream or gold on the fins. These varieties are:
At least one variety, the 'watermelon pleco', has been described as a subspecies.
The royal panaque is valuable as an aquarium fish. It is a very attractive aquarium fish which grows to a large size, with a maximum length of 43.0 centimeters in standard length.[3] Maintenance is as for other Panaque, with the fish needing plenty of space, well oxygenated water, and a regular supply of vegetables and wood on which to feed. Young are often imported in an undernourished state and require dedicated attention to recover.[4] Primarily nocturnal, this fish is generally shy under the light and will keep in hiding during the day.[5] This fish is territorial, so a suitable resting area for this fish is necessary.[5] This species has not yet been bred in captivity.[5]