L397 Tangerine Tiger Pleco – Panaqolus sp. | Orange Tiger Pleco & Wood Eater

The L397 Tangerine Tiger Pleco (Panaqolus sp. „L397“) is one of the most popular and colorfully striking representatives of the genus Panaqolus. Originally from the Rio Xingu in Brazil, it captivates with its intense orange-red base color and contrasting, dark transverse stripes – a true “tiger pattern” that makes it a highlight in any aquarium.

The L397 remains small with a final size of about 10–12 cm and is a peaceful, calm wood-eater that likes to stay on roots. It is robust, adaptable, and well-suited even for aquarists with moderate experience.

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

🍽️ Feeding:
The L397 Tangerine Tiger Pleco is a typical wood-eater (xylophagous). It always needs soft driftwood to rasp on. Additionally, it eats plant-based food such as spirulina, algae wafers, vegetable chips, zucchini, and cucumber. It also accepts frozen food like Artemia or Cyclops.

💡 Tip:
A richly structured aquarium with many roots and shaded areas promotes natural behavior and well-being. The orange tiger pattern stands out particularly intensely on dark substrate.

👉 Conclusion:
The L397 Tangerine Tiger Pleco (Panaqolus sp. „L397“) is a peaceful, colorful wood-eater with a vibrant tiger pattern – perfect for lovers of striking, small Panaqolus species and natural South American aquariums.