L204 Flash Pleco – Panaqolus albivermis

The L204 Flash Pleco (Panaqolus albivermis) is a particularly attractive, rare wild-caught specimen from the Rio Ucayali in Peru. With its dark base color and bright white stripes, it is reminiscent of flashlights – hence the apt name "Flash Pleco". This high-contrast pattern makes it one of the most beautiful representatives of the Panaqolus genus.

The L204 is a peaceful, compact L-catfish that, with a final size of about 10–12 cm, is ideal for medium-sized aquariums. It likes to live in structurally rich tanks with many roots, among which it stays and rasps for wood fibers.

🌿 Characteristics & Keeping:
🐠 Fish size: M/L (6–8 cm)
🌎 Origin: Peru (Rio Ucayali, Amazon basin) – Wild-caught
🌡️ Temperature: 25–30 °C
💧 pH-value: 6.0–7.5
⚖️ Total hardness: up to 18 °dGH
🐟 Social behavior: Peaceful, calm, slightly territorial towards conspecifics
🌾 Aquarium: From 100 l, with roots, stones, caves & light current

🍽️ Feeding:
The Panaqolus albivermis (L204) is a typical wood-eater (xylophagous). It constantly needs soft root wood, which it uses as a source of fiber. Additionally, it eats plant-based foods such as algae wafers, spirulina, vegetable chips, cucumber, and zucchini. Occasionally, it also accepts frozen food like Artemia or Cyclops.

💡 Tip:
A structurally rich, oxygen-rich aquarium with a light current and regular water changes ensures well-being and vibrant colors. On dark substrate, the high-contrast stripe pattern stands out particularly well.

👉 Conclusion:
The L204 Flash Pleco (Panaqolus albivermis) is a rare, peaceful wild-caught specimen with a distinctive stripe pattern – perfect for enthusiasts of small, intensely colored wood-eaters from South America.