L403 - Panoqolus sp. - DNZ 4-5 cm

A rarity among the L-catfish is the South American L 403, which looks confusingly similar to the L 374 at first glance and also comes from the Rio Anapú in Brazil. Especially among catfish enthusiasts this fish is one of the favorite must-haves. The L 403 is no longer imported from its habitat, so that the animals offered in the trade all come from offspring. The name Panaqolus is a nickname and means "little Panaque".

Our L 403 are German offspring , which you get mixed-sex with a size between 4 and 5 cm.

These loricariids have a brown base color with light stripes over the whole body. Especially at the abdomen male Anapú l oricariids show increased odontodes, which are small "bristles". Sex differentiation is difficult - especially in the juvenile stage. Females remain slightly smaller and become more massive.

The breeding of Panaqolus sp. L 403 has been successful several times. They lay their eggs in burrows , which they cover with vegetation and fan with the tail fin to add oxygen. Especially the juveniles are very similar to the young Panaqolus sp. L 374 in the pattern of markings. A differentiation of both species as juveniles is not possible. Only in adult catfish differences in the stripe pattern are visible.

In an aquarium with an edge length of 80 cm or more, the Anapú aquarium fish will do well. As with all loricariids the aquarium should not be too brightly lit and should have a good structuring with stones and soft Root wood soft substrate. The wood-eating animals need the latter for a well-functioning digestive system, among other things, so they should always find wood to scrape off in the aquarium. Many hiding places also contribute to their well-being. As a substrate can be Sand or a fine gravel can be used. Since the L 403 tend to eat plants from time to time, they should be fed enough vegetarian food to prevent them from doing so. Planting is therefore most suitable with robust and bitter tasting anubia, cryptocorynes or java ferns, but also with floating plants.

For the care of the L 403 their water should be soft to medium hard with a total hardness (GH) of 0-14 ° dGH and a pH between 6 and 7. Water temperatures between 26-30 °C are optimal. The Anapú catfish grows to an average size of 13 cm. With a group of 4-6 catfish, sufficient retreat possibilities in the form of root wood and caves, should be offered.

This very peaceful bottom dweller can easily be kept with well reproducing Dwarf shrimps snails and peaceful fish, which originate from similar water parameters, are socialized , also other Loricariid catfish or Cory catfish. Since it draws its strength from the group size, we recommend the species-appropriate attitude with at least 4 animals.

This omnivorous Panaqolus is a pronounced wood eater, which should also be fed predominantly vegetarian. In the aquarium it should therefore find sufficient soft wood species, like for example Bog pine roots can be found. They can be easily fed with commercial tablet food for catfish, but also with catfish chips or Vegetable chips feed. Even if the L 403 have a preference for meaty food, this should be offered only sparingly, because the animals tend to fatty and fall ill quickly.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Catfishfeed for all aquarium sucker catfish that eat growth is a balanced tablet food that 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. As a snack, supplemental food or vacation food, we recommend the CatfishPlates.

Our plant recommendation: For planting, use 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.