L398 PANAQOLUS TANKEI PLECO

L398 Panaqolus tankei – Care Guide

Common Name: Orange Seam Pleco
Scientific Name: Panaqolus tankei
L-Number: L398
Origin: Rio Xingu, Brazil

Overview

The L398 Panaqolus tankei, known as the Orange Seam Pleco, is a small, wood-grazing species valued for its subtle beauty and peaceful nature. With deep brown body coloration and distinct orange or golden edging on its dorsal and caudal fins, this pleco is an excellent choice for community aquariums and Amazon-themed biotopes. Though lesser-known than its larger relatives, its manageable size and ease of care make it ideal for hobbyists of all levels.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons for a single adult

• Aquarium Type: Heavily decorated with wood, caves, and gentle flow

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel preferred

• Décor:

  • Multiple driftwood pieces (essential for diet and hiding)

  • Natural rockwork or ceramic pleco tubes

  • Leaf litter or botanicals (optional for softening water)

The Orange Seam Pleco feels most at home in tanks that mimic South American riverbanks with wood debris and gentle shading.

Water Conditions

• Temperature: 78–84°F (25.5–29°C)

• pH: 6.2–7.2 (slightly acidic to neutral)

• Hardness: 3–10 dGH

• Oxygenation: Moderate to high—use sponge or hang-on filters with surface agitation

• Water Quality:

  • Low nitrates and no ammonia or nitrite

  • Perform weekly water changes (25–40%)

  • Use dechlorinated or aged water

This species thrives with consistency—avoid large swings in temperature or pH.

Diet

• Feeding Type: Wood-eating omnivore

• Staple Diet:

  • A constant supply of soft driftwood (for digestion and rasping)

  • High-quality veggie wafers or spirulina pellets

  • Blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and sweet potato

• Supplements:

  • Occasional protein sources like Repashy gel foods (e.g., “Morning Wood” or “Soilent Green”)

  • Avoid fatty or high-protein frozen foods to prevent bloating

Unlike common algae-eaters, L398 requires wood in its diet—driftwood is essential, not optional.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament: Peaceful, shy, non-aggressive

• Tank Level: Bottom-dweller, rarely competes for space

• Best Tankmates:

  • Small tetras, rasboras, corydoras, peaceful dwarf cichlids

  • Avoid large or aggressive plecos or fish that may outcompete for food

The Orange Seam Pleco enjoys hiding during the day and coming out to graze at night. Multiple hiding spots reduce stress.

Breeding

• Difficulty: Moderate—achievable with patience

• Spawning Environment:

  • Slight temperature drop and increased water flow can help trigger spawning

  • Provide tight-fitting caves or pleco tubes

• Reproductive Behavior:

  • Males guard the eggs and protect the fry

  • Eggs hatch in 6–10 days; fry absorb yolk sacs before free-swimming

• Fry Diet:

  • Crushed algae wafers, powdered spirulina, baby brine shrimp after yolk is absorbed

Breeding is best attempted in species-only setups or tanks with minimal competition.

Common Health Issues

• Low Risk When Kept Properly

• Watch For:

  • Weight loss (may indicate poor-quality wood or inadequate food)

  • Stress from overexposure or aggressive tankmates

  • Bloat from too much protein or lack of fiber

Provide good water quality, soft wood, and a plant-based diet to prevent most issues.

Quick Care Reference

Summary

The L398 Orange Seam Pleco (Panaqolus tankei) is a small, peaceful pleco perfect for naturalistic aquariums. With its manageable size, need for driftwood, and low aggression level, it's a rewarding species for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. Provide hiding places, keep the water clean, and let it do what it does best—quietly rasping on wood and bringing a piece of the Amazon to your tank.