L-002 Tiger Pleco

L-002 Tiger Pleco

The L-002 Tiger Pleco only grows to 5 inches. The pattern varies from black stripes to reddish chocolate stripes.  Tiger Plecos are scavengers, hardy, and do most of their scavenging at night, just like real tigers. Except they don't eat people, or fish. They might accidently eat small fancy shrimp if they accidently catch them. 

Native to the Tocantins and lower Amazon River basins in Brazil, the L-002 Tiger Pleco reaches a manageable maximum length of 3.5 to 4.5 inches. Mature specimens feature broad, fan-like fins with delicate lining and prominent interopercular odontodes (cheek bristles). Due to its modest size and non-aggressive nature, a single L-002 Tiger Pleco can easily be housed in a minimum aquarium size of 20 to 30 gallons, making it a stellar option for nano or medium-sized tropical aquariums.

The L-002 Tiger Pleco is a peaceful, nocturnal species that spends much of its time navigating timber formations, rock crevices, and caves. It serves as an exceptional centerpiece catfish for aquarists seeking a small, manageable species that offers both vibrant aesthetics and quiet charm.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This species is a specialized Wood-Eating Omnivore (Xylivore/Detritivore). Its primary diet should center on real wood fiber supplemented with high-fiber sinking algae wafers, spirulina pellets, and vegetable matter like zucchini, squash, and sweet potato. Protein items like bloodworms or brine shrimp can be offered occasionally, but high-protein diets should be kept to a minimum to prevent internal blockages.
• Wood Requirement: Providing natural real driftwood is strictly required. Members of the Panaqolus genus possess specialized chisel-like teeth designed to scrape wood pulp, which is critical for their digestive health and intestinal gut flora.
• Reef / Plant Compatibility: It is Plant Safe With Caution. While L-002 Tiger Plecos usually ignore hard-leaved plants, they may occasionally rasp soft foliage if their dietary wood or fresh vegetable needs are not met. Delicate plants can also be accidentally dislodged as they move between driftwood caves.
• Temperament: It is Peaceful. They show zero interest in free-swimming tankmates. Males can display mild territoriality toward other male Panaqolus or similar small bottom-dwellers over preferred caves, but this is easily alleviated by adding multiple hideouts and visual barriers.
• Tankmates: Excellent options include small, peaceful community inhabitants such as Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, Hatchetfish, Guppies, Angelfish, and Dwarf Cichlids. Avoid keeping them with hyper-aggressive bottom dwellers or species large enough to swallow small catfish.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Panaqolus sp. L-002
• Primary Common Name: L-002 Tiger Pleco
• Other Common Names: L-074 Pleco, Tiger Pleco, Clown Tiger Pleco
• Origin: South America (Tocantins River Basin, Brazil)
• Max Size: 3.5-4.5 inches (9-11 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Mild territoriality over choice caves)
• Diet: Wood-Eating Omnivore (Requires real driftwood, fiber, and greens)
• Minimum Tank Size: 20-30 Gallons
• Plant Compatibility: With Caution (May rasp soft plants if underfed)
• Shipping Size: 1 inch