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Freshwater fishL-239 Blue Panaque Pleco
L-239 Blue Panaque Pleco
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The L-239 pleco is a solid navy blue, very unique for saltwater or freshwater fish. Blue panaques are scavengers but also require veggies, so it is a good idea to add algae veggie wafers a few times a week to the aquarium. The blue panaque is peaceful and only grows to six inches, but it will not tolerate temperatures below 75 degrees. These beautiful exotic aquarium fish tend to break out with ich when stressed, and if that occurs, treat with malachite green. The L-239 pleco is wild-caught in Colombia and varies in size when exported, from 2 inches to 4 inches. And of course these guys like a piece of driftwood.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Baryancistrus beggini (L-239) |
| Origin | Orinoco basin (Venezuela and Colombia) |
| Care Level | Moderate (needs warm, oxygen-rich water) |
| Temperament | Peaceful (territorial with other plecos) |
| Adult Size | Up to 6" |
| Lifespan | 12–15+ years |
| Diet | Omnivore (algae and sinking foods) |
| Water Temperature | 77–84°F |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Group Size | Single, or several with a cave each |
| Shipping Size | Approx. 2–4" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: Give them strong current, high oxygen, smooth rocks, caves and driftwood. Many come from warm, fast rivers in Brazil, so keep the water clean and warm.
Feeding: Feed algae wafers and quality sinking pellets. They also enjoy frozen foods now and then.
Tankmates: They do well with most community fish and peaceful cichlids. Give each pleco its own cave to limit territorial squabbles.
Good to know: Many of these plecos come from fast-flowing rivers threatened by dam projects, so wild-caught specimens are increasingly rare.
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