L398 PANAQOLUS TANKEI

L398 Tankei Tiger Pleco Care Guide

Scientific Name: Panaqolus tankei

Common Name: Tankei Tiger Pleco

L-number: L398

Origin: Rio Xingu, Pará, Brazil

Maximum Size: 4–5 inches (10–13 cm)

Lifespan: 8–10 years

Temperament: Peaceful but territorial with similar species

Experience Level: Intermediate

Diet: Omnivore with a strong preference for plant matter and wood

🐟 Appearance

The L398 is known for its bold tiger-like vertical striping, ranging from deep brown to black with golden-yellow to light tan bands. Each individual shows slight pattern variation, and well-fed specimens in clean water develop intense color contrast, especially with age.

🏞️ Tank Requirements

Habitat Setup Tips:

• Use plenty of branchy driftwood (essential for digestion and shelter).

• Add several caves or pleco tubes made from ceramic or slate.

• Keep lighting dim or diffuse; this is a shy, crepuscular species.

🍽️ Diet and Feeding

L398 Plecos are omnivores, but they lean heavily toward herbivory with a requirement for wood fiber. Offer:

• Driftwood (essential) – they rasp and ingest it

• Blanched vegetables – zucchini, cucumber, squash, spinach

• Pleco wafers or spirulina tabs

• Occasional protein – small portions of bloodworms, insect-based pellets

Feed once daily in the evening or after lights out. Uneaten food should be removed to prevent water fouling.

🤝 Behavior and Compatibility

• Peaceful with other fish but may become territorial toward other plecos or bottom dwellers in cramped tanks.

• Best kept solo or with other non-aggressive, mid-to-top swimming fish.

• Nocturnal — most active during low light hours or night time.

🐣 Breeding

Breeding L398 in captivity is achievable with proper conditions:

• Use a ratio of 1 male to 2–3 females in a species-only setup.

• Simulate rainy season: increase water changes and drop temperature slightly.

• Males guard eggs laid in narrow caves.

• Fry hatch in ~7–10 days and consume yolk sac before grazing on wood and algae films.

Fry require ultra-clean water and access to fine wood fibers for digestion.

⚠️ Health and Maintenance

• Weekly water changes (30–50%) recommended for optimal health.

• Sensitive to poor water quality, copper, and high nitrates.

• Signs of stress include clamped fins, dull colors, or hiding constantly even at night.

• Maintain stable temps and avoid sudden swings.

⭐ Fun Facts

• Named after German aquarist Andreas Tanke, who helped identify and introduce the species.

• Their stripe pattern is unique to each fish — almost like a fingerprint.

• Though not as flashy as some larger plecos, their compact size and intricate design make them perfect for smaller tropical setups.

✅ Summary

The L398 Tankei Tiger Pleco is a small, striking species perfect for aquarists looking for a peaceful and manageable pleco. With a strong appetite for wood and vegetable matter and a calm demeanor, they do best in warm, clean, soft-water aquariums that mimic their native Xingu River. Given the right setup and patience, they can even breed in captivity, rewarding their keepers with fascinating behavior and beautiful fry.