Titanic Pleco (Panaque schaeferi)
| Titanic Pleco Panaque schaeferi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Titanic Pleco |
| Name Lat. | Panaque schaeferi |
| Synonym | L203, LDA65 |
| Family | Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Loricariidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Peru |
| Habitat | Rivers, oxbow lakes |
| Diet | Soft wood, algae |
| pH | 5.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Nocturnal, peaceful |
| Keeping | Individual, group |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 8-12 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 50-60 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 1-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 800 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 20"-24" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 18-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 200 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The giant panaque are widespread in the Rio Ucayali basin in Peru. Populations exist that differ in coloration and markings. They live in stagnant rivers, preferring to live among sunken logs, branches and roots protruding 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 and towards other loricariids they often behave territorially, therefore several animals should only be kept in much larger, richly structured tanks. Towards other, also smaller fishes they are very peaceful and can be socialized well with them
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
There are no known external distinguishing characteristics.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
Aquatic plants with soft leaves could be considered food.
They have a strong sucking mouth, with spoon-shaped teeth for scraping off wood, and an intestinal flora that enables the fish to digest the cellulose.
When fishing, use the finest mesh nets possible to avoid snagging the hard rays of the pectoral fins or the skin teeth (odontodes) on the bone 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: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch; SCHMIDT, WERNER, LECHNER (2005): MiniAtlas L-Welse, Bede Verlag
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF