L226 - Pink tiger loricariid - Panaqolus changae - 5-6cm

The Pink Tiger Catfish L226 or LDA26 from the Brazilian Rio Iquitos in the Amazon region is also called Tiger Head Panaque or Panaqolus changae.

The pink tigerhead catfish grows to about 10-12 cm in length, remaining quite small for a panaque. It has a brownish pink to light beige base color and a dark worm pattern that increases in size from front to back, as well as dark stripes on the fins. Males of the Pink Tiger Lornette show a dense growth of odontodes on their backs. Their genital papilla is small and rather pointed, whereas the genital papilla of females is quite large, round and thick. Also, spawning females are significantly thicker than males.

A pair of L226 can be kept in an aquarium from 60-80 cm edge length. Per animal you need approximately a territory of 30 x 30 cm. Adult L226 can become somewhat territorial, so a good structure in the aquarium is a must. Keeping them alone is also possible.

Like all Panaqolus, Tigerhead Panaque also eat wood, so real wood roots like bog pine roots as part of the aquarium setup are essential for the survival of these beautiful catfish. Aquarium plants are eaten. However, a setup with wood roots and stones can be made interesting. Very fast growing, hardy aquarium plants such as waterweed or floating plants may have a chance if the catfish are fed enough vegetables. The Substrate substrate should be sand or round-grained gravel.

Tigerhead Panaque can be kept in soft to medium hard water with a total hardness up to 10 and a pH of 5 to 7. Humic substances in the aquarium water are important for the health and well-being of this beautiful Panaque. The aquarium temperature should ideally be 25-28 °C. The filter should be very efficient for keeping this beautiful aquarium catfish, they need clean water and high oxygen levels.

The Pink Tiger Hare Catfish L226 is an ideal candidate for a community aquarium. Although they can become somewhat territorial as they age, it is possible to keep a small group in a well set up aquarium. Coexistence with accompanying fish such as tetras , on the other hand, is absolutely unproblematic. Also with shrimps you can keep the Tigerhead Panaque well, only with crayfishes you should not socialize it, because the catfishes can be pinched by the crayfishes.

Panaqolus changae L226 has been successfully bred in the aquarium several times. The Tigerhead Panaque L226 is a cave breeder, preferring wooden tubes open on one side . The male takes over the brood care. Breeding in the community aquarium is possible, if the by-fish are peaceful, although a targeted breeding approach in the species tank is more promising.

Large water changes of 80% with slightly cooler, softer water several times a week and a stronger set current will encourage the loricariid catfish to breed. More Humic substances in the water of the breeding aquarium act against spawning fungus. The young animals of the pink tiger loricariid catfish can be raised with food tablets, vegetables or also some frozen food .

Panaqolus changae L226 is uncomplicated to feed as a plant and wood eating catfish. Catfish tabs with wood fibers are a very good food along with vegetables such as potatoes, pumpkin, zucchini and algae tabs. Wooden roots are an absolute must in the aquarium. They are rasped off and eaten.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Catfish Feed for all aufwuchs feeding sucking catfish in the aquarium is a balanced tablet food, which does not cloud the water and the fish like to eat. The catfish tablets also contain NatureHolic active ingredient complexes that provide sucker catfish with everything they need for a strong immune system, healthy growth and great, contrasting coloration.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.

Picture: Enrico Richter - exclusively for Garnelio