Panaque Armbrusteri L027/Tapajos

🟤 Panaque armbrusteri (L027 Tapajós) – Tapajós Royal Pleco Care Guide

The Tapajós Royal Pleco (Panaque armbrusteri, L027 Tapajós) is a large, wood-eating armored catfish known for its bold, flowing stripes, broad head, and unique dietary needs. This variant of the Royal Pleco comes from the Rio Tapajós, a tributary of the Amazon River in Brazil. A standout in large freshwater aquariums, this species requires a dedicated keeper with the space and commitment to care for a pleco of this size and behavior.

🐟 Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Panaque armbrusteri

• Common Name: Tapajós Royal Pleco

• L-Number: L027 (Tapajós variant)

• Origin: Rio Tapajós, Brazil

• Adult Size: 14–17 inches (35–43 cm)

• Lifespan: 15–20 years in optimal conditions

• Temperament: Generally peaceful; mildly territorial toward similar bottom dwellers

• Activity: Nocturnal but may become active during the day with regular feeding

🏡 Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons (450+ liters) for adults

• Tank Shape: Preferably long with ample floor space

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel

• Décor:

  • Essential: Plenty of real driftwood (provides dietary fiber and shelter)

  • Optional: Smooth river stones, caves, and robust plants (though digging may occur)

• Lighting: Low to moderate; shaded areas preferred

• Water Movement: Moderate to strong flow to simulate river conditions

• Filtration: Strong mechanical and biological filtration required due to their large size and waste production

💡 Wood is a required part of this species' habitat—not just decoration, but nutrition.

💧 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 80–86°F (27–30°C)

• pH Range: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: 4–12 dGH

• TDS: 100–250 ppm

• Water Changes: 30–50% weekly

🧪 Maintain excellent oxygen levels and avoid high nitrate buildup. Use additional aeration if temperatures exceed 82°F.

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Panaque armbrusteri is a true xylivore, meaning it consumes wood as part of its diet, along with some plant matter and protein.

• Core Diet:

  • Driftwood (soft types like Malaysian, Mopani, or grapevine)

  • Wood-fiber-based pleco wafers or specialty logs

• Supplementary Foods:

  • Sinking algae wafers

  • Blanched vegetables: zucchini, cucumber, sweet potato

• Protein (sparingly):

  • Shrimp pellets, bloodworms, or krill — 1–2 times weekly

• Feeding Frequency: Once or twice per day, ideally near lights-out

⚠️ Avoid heavy protein diets long term — their digestive systems are designed for fiber-rich intake.

🤝 Tankmates & Compatibility

• Good Tankmates:

  • Peaceful mid- to top-dwelling fish (e.g., Congo tetras, Severums, Rainbowfish)

  • Other large peaceful cichlids or Geophagus species

• Avoid:

  • Other large plecos unless tank is 180+ gallons with distinct zones

  • Aggressive or fin-nipping fish

  • Delicate species that can’t tolerate heavy bioload

💡 This pleco is typically peaceful but may become territorial over driftwood or caves, especially with conspecifics.

🐣 Breeding Notes

Breeding Panaque armbrusteri in home aquariums is extremely rare and typically not reported outside of professional breeding systems.

• Spawning Type: Cavity spawner

• Male Role: Guards and fans eggs in a secure cave

• Breeding Conditions:

  • Strong current, very high oxygenation, cave structures, and elevated temperatures

  • Water conditions must mimic seasonal triggers such as rainy-season flooding

• Fry Care: Unknown in home aquaria; presumed similar to other Loricariidae

🧠 Sexing adults is difficult—mature males tend to show more cheek odontodes (bristle-like spikes).

📝 Care Summary

🔧 Expert Tips

• Use a pre-filter sponge on intakes to avoid clogging from wood shavings

• Offer multiple types of wood to encourage feeding variety

• Keep a stable heater and high-flow filtration system—temperature swings can stress this species

• Provide multiple hiding zones to reduce territorial behavior in shared tanks