Panaque Armbrusteri L027/Xingu

👑 Panaque armbrusteri – L027 Xingu Royal Pleco Care Guide

The Xingu Royal Pleco (Panaque armbrusteri, L027) is a large, striking armored catfish native to the Rio Xingu in Brazil. Known for its broad head, vibrant striped body, and strong wood-eating behavior, this species is one of the most sought-after of all Panaque. As a true xylivore, it requires a well-planned diet and a large, oxygen-rich aquarium to thrive.

🐟 Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Panaque armbrusteri

• Common Names: Royal Pleco, Xingu Royal, L027

• L-numbers: L027 (variants may include L027a, L027b depending on collection point)

• Origin: Rio Xingu, Brazil

• Adult Size: 14–18 inches (35–45 cm)

• Lifespan: 15+ years with proper care

• Temperament: Generally peaceful but territorial with other large bottom dwellers

• Activity: Nocturnal; becomes more active in subdued lighting

🏡 Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons (475+ liters)

• Substrate: Soft sand or smooth gravel

• Décor:

  • Essential: Multiple large pieces of driftwood (diet and shelter)

  • Optional: Rounded stones, caves, and sturdy aquatic plants

• Lighting: Dim to moderate; appreciates subdued environments

• Water Flow: Moderate to strong current to replicate riverine conditions

• Filtration: Heavy-duty filtration required; high waste-producing species

💡 As a wood-eating pleco, this species must have access to real driftwood at all times—not as decor, but as a dietary staple.

💧 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 80–86°F (27–30°C)

• pH Range: 6.0–7.4

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (4–12 dGH)

• TDS: 100–250 ppm

• Water Changes: 30–50% weekly; stable, oxygen-rich water is essential

📌 Use powerheads, air stones, or spray bars to keep oxygen levels high, especially in warmer tanks.

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

The Xingu Royal Pleco is a xylivore—a wood and fiber consumer—supplemented with vegetation and protein in captivity.

• Essential Diet Elements:

  • Natural driftwood (soft types like Malaysian or Mopani) for fiber and digestion

• Staple Foods:

  • Specialized wood-fiber pleco wafers or logs

  • Algae wafers, spirulina-based sinking pellets

• Vegetables:

  • Zucchini, cucumber, sweet potato, and green peas

• Protein (in moderation):

  • Frozen krill, bloodworms, or shrimp (1–2x per week)

• Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily; remove uneaten food after a few hours

⚠️ Avoid overfeeding protein—excessive animal-based foods can lead to digestive issues in this wood-eating species.

🤝 Compatibility & Tankmates

• Best Tankmates:

  • Large peaceful fish like silver dollars, angelfish, Severums, and Geophagus

  • Surface and mid-water species that won’t compete for space

• Avoid:

  • Aggressive cichlids or overly active bottom dwellers

  • Other large plecos unless tank is very large with separated hiding zones

💡 Territorial but not aggressive—conflicts are rare with well-matched tankmates.

🐣 Breeding Notes

Breeding Panaque armbrusteri in captivity is extremely rare, even among experienced breeders.

• Spawning Behavior: Cave spawner; males guard eggs in tight enclosures

• Breeding Challenges:

  • Requires high temperatures, powerful flow, and very large tanks

  • Often only achieved in commercial breeding facilities or wild environments

• Fry Feeding: Likely similar to other Panaque species—wood fiber, vegetable paste, powdered wafers

🔍 There are currently no consistent reports of successful home aquarium breeding, though attempts are ongoing in specialized facilities.

📝 Care Summary

🔧 Expert Tips

• Offer multiple types of driftwood—some prefer softer varieties for easier rasping

• Maintain high oxygen levels, especially in warm water

• Use a pre-filter sponge to prevent filter clogging from wood particles

• Test nitrate levels frequently—this species produces considerable waste