Panaque L191, 55 gallon with Convicts

[elting44]

Hey guys, I am thinking about adding a Panaque sp. L191 to my 55. It currently has a 3 convicts. A male and 2 females

I am not a expert on plecos/panaque, from what i have read, which is very little, L191 grows to a max of about 10" rather than 16"+ like Panaque nigrolineatus.

Would a L191 be ok in a 55 for life. There are two driftwood structures and, and plenty of hiding spots.

When the convicts spawn, will the L191 be able to avoid taking a beating? I am hesitant to add a fish if it is going to get bullied during spawns

Would a L190 do ok in the same situation, I have a 135 that will be set up within the next year or so (hopefully) so by the time it has outgrown a 55 it will have a bigger tank to be moved into. I have read they are a relatively slow growing species.

Drop some knowledge on me! If a Royal is out of the picture, what type of pleco would you all suggest.

 

[theunytedone]

if you get a small royal to start with, you'll have plenty of time to save for a larger tank

 

[matubula]

L191 can grow (at least) up to 19", although this is unlikely in aquaria. You will struggle to keep a good sized Royal Panaque in 55 gallons/200 litres.

 

[elting44]

L191 can grow (at least) up to 19", although this is unlikely in aquaria. You will struggle to keep a good sized Royal Panaque in 55 gallons/200 litres.

Good to know, planet catfish lists the max size as 9.8 inches for L191

 

[matubula]

Good to know, planet catfish lists the max size as 9.8 inches for L191

They just haven't updated. They have a picture of the fish I'm referring too. I've seen the fish in-person, it's just started to grow some decent odontodes.

50cm L191

 

[knifegill]

Is that the "Dull-eyed panaque"? I had one in a 75 gallon and once it hit about 6" it was making too much sawdust for my filtration to cope with. I only had HOB back then. Mostly still do. With a really great sump, you might be able to get away with it for a few years. Eventually you'll want at least a 125g though.

 

[bcarlos]

Matt is correct, L191 gets significantly larger than what is listed on PC. I've imported pieces well over a 14 inches and I've seen them larger. Awesome panaque, but yes prepare for plenty of spot-sipohining, because these guys rasp driftwood like it's going out of style.

If you're intent on staying with the 50 gal., I'd recommend something that stays a bit smaller and perhaps has a diet suitable to clean up left-over food not eaten by the convicts. Perhaps some of the Leporanthicus species, or Baryancistrus? Many are very colourful and stay under 9 inches.

 

[theunytedone]

They just haven't updated. They have a picture of the fish I'm referring too. I've seen the fish in-person, it's just started to grow some decent odontodes.

50cm L191

do you know what exactly is good for helping grow odontodes? is it age?

 

[elting44]

They just haven't updated. They have a picture of the fish I'm referring too. I've seen the fish in-person, it's just started to grow some decent odontodes.

50cm L191

Wow, that is an impressive specimen, I assume even more so in person.

I will probably hold off getting a Panaque until my 135 is set up, thank you for setting me straight.

 

[elting44]

Perhaps some of the Leporanthicus species, or Baryancistrus? Many are very colourful and stay under 9 inches.

Thanks, do you have some specific species suggestions; I am new to this category of fish. I don’t have much knowledge on what is what.

Also I am smack dab in the middle of Kansas, finding exotic pleco sp. is not going to be easy. For example:

The LFS said they only have Royals available periodically and he said the price would be around $50.00

I also asked about the availability of Gold Spotted Pleco (L001), he said they were also hard to come by, and they would be around $55.00

They do have an interesting looking pleco that he was asking 50 bucks for; it was black with a yellow pattern. The owner of the store did know what the common name, L number, or scientific name. He said he will find out and let me know.

I am going to go in tomorrow and ask if I can take some pics to ID