Tiger 'peckoltia' L2 (Panaqolus sp. 'L002')

Tiger 'peckoltia' L2 Panaqolus sp. 'L002'
Name	Tiger 'peckoltia' L2
Name Lat.	Panaqolus sp. 'L002'
Synonym	L74
Family	Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes
Family lat.	Loricariidae
Order	Catfishes
Order lat.	Siluriformes
Origin	Brazil
Habitat	Streams
Diet	Soft wood, algae
pH	6.5-7.5
Behavior	Nocturnal, peaceful
Keeping	Individual, group
Care Level	Difficult
Reproduction	Cave spawner
Breeding	Difficult
Life Span	N/A
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	10 cm
Temperature	23-27 °C
Hardness	1-15 °dH
Aquarium	~ 150 l
US Units
Size	4"
Temperature	73-81 °F
Hardness	18-267 ppm
Aquarium	~ 40 gal

Distribution and habitat

The tiger lizard catfish L2 are widely distributed in the basin of the middle and lower Amazon. There are some populations and according to their origin their coloration and pattern varies. They live in still water of small rivers and streams, preferably among dead wood and roots that protrude into the water.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a robust planting, with stones and caves (catfish burrows) and roots that provide hiding places and at the same time are part of their diet. A sandy substrate, some subdued light (floating plants) and a weak current is ideal.

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

They feed mainly on soft wood, which is rasped off. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high quality dry food for loricariids (granules, pellets, chips, tablets) with high cellulose content and soft wood (mangrove, morcias), supplemented with algae leaves and fresh vegetables, such as zucchini, broccoli, bruised peas, scalded spinach, etc.

Feed only as much as will be eaten within a few minutes, excluding plant foods. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance

Behaviour and compatibility

They are crepuscular to nocturnal. Within the species they behave occasionally territorial, so several animals should be maintained only in a richly structured tank. They are very peaceful towards other fish and are well suited for a community tank

Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature may be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

Sexually mature males have odontodes (pointed skin teeth) on the hind body.

Reproduction and breeding

There are isolated reports of successful breeding in the aquarium. They are cave breeders and the male does the brood care.

Important

The tiger loricariid L2 is identical with the L74. The differences in coloration and pattern are origin dependent

They have a strong sucking mouth, with spoon-shaped teeth for scraping wood and an intestinal flora that enables the fish to digest the cellulose.

Aquatic plants with soft leaves could be considered food.

When catching, use as fine-mesh nets as possible to avoid snagging the hard rays of the pectoral fins or the cutaneous teeth (odontodes) located on the bony plates, which can cause painful puncture wounds when touched.

The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch; WERNER, LECHNER, SCHMIDT (2005): MiniAtlas L-Welse, Bede Verlag

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF