L397 Alenquer tiger pleco

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Panaqolus sp. L397 (scientifically undescribed)

• Common Name: L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco, Tangerine Tiger Pleco

• Adult Size: 4–5 inches (10–13 cm)

• Life Expectancy: Approximately 8–12 years with proper care.

• Habitat:

  • Native to Brazil, South America, associated with the lower Amazon region around Pará.

  • Found in freshwater habitats with submerged driftwood, roots and rocky hiding places.

  • Prefers warm, well-oxygenated water with moderate flow.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 litres), preferably with a spacious bottom area.

• Ideal Temperature: 75–86°F (24–30°C).

• pH Range: 6.4–7.5.

• Water Hardness: Approximately 2–10 dGH.

• Temperament: Peaceful and generally suitable for community aquariums.

  • May become territorial with other plecos, especially males.

  • Provide multiple caves, driftwood pieces and hiding places.

  • Best kept with peaceful tropical fish.

Diet & Nutrition

Omnivorous – Wood-Eating Specialist

A balanced diet should include:

• Natural driftwood – essential for grazing and digestion.

• High-quality sinking pleco wafers and vegetable-based pellets.

• Blanched vegetables: zucchini, cucumber, spinach and sweet potato.

• Spirulina-based foods and algae wafers.

• Occasional protein-rich foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and other frozen foods.

Important: Driftwood should always be available in the aquarium. This species requires a fibre-rich, predominantly plant-based diet.

Breeding & Spawning

• Egg-layer: Breeds inside caves or sheltered spaces.

• Males defend suitable caves and attract females for spawning.

• Females deposit eggs inside the cave.

• Males guard and fan the eggs until hatching.

• Fry initially feed on their yolk sacs before accepting suitable fine powdered foods and vegetable-based foods.

• Provide suitable caves, excellent water quality and a nutritious diet to encourage breeding.

Appearance

• Body Shape: Compact, elongated and heavily armoured body.

• Colour: Striking orange, burnt-orange or tangerine markings contrasted with dark black bands.

• Pattern: Distinctive tiger-like stripes extending across the body and fins.

• Head: Attractive intricate orange and black line patterns.

• Mouth: Sucker-shaped mouth adapted for grazing on wood and biofilm.

• Fins: Broad pectoral and dorsal fins with contrasting striped patterns.

Distinctive Features

• Highly attractive orange-and-black tiger-like pattern.

• Relatively small size compared with many other pleco species.

• Specialised wood-grazing behaviour.

• Peaceful temperament, making it suitable for many community aquariums.

• Primarily nocturnal, although established specimens may become active during daylight.

• Requires permanent access to natural driftwood.

• A popular and desirable L-number pleco among catfish enthusiasts.

Care Level: Moderate

Special Note: L397 is an aquarium trade identification number rather than a formally established scientific species name. Correct identification by the L-number is important because several different plecos are sold under the name Tiger Pleco.