L204 Flash Pleco – Panaqolus albivermis | Rare wild-caught & peaceful wood-eater

The L204 Flash Pleco ( Panaqolus albivermis ) is a particularly attractive, rare wild-caught specimen from the Rio Ucayali in Peru. With its dark base color and bright white stripes, it resembles flashes of light – hence the fitting name "Flash Pleco". This high-contrast pattern makes it one of the most beautiful representatives of the Panaqolus genus.

The L204 is a peaceful, compact L-number catfish, ideally suited for medium-sized aquariums with a final size of approximately 10–12 cm. It prefers to live in structurally rich tanks with many roots, among which it stays and rasps for wood fibers.

🌿 Characteristics & Attitude:
🐠 Fish size: M/L (6–8 cm)
🌎 Origin: Peru (Rio Ucayali, Amazon region) – Wild caught
🌡️ Temperature: 25-30°C
💧 pH value: 6.0–7.5
⚖️ Total hardness: up to 18 °dGH
🐟 Social behavior: Peaceful, calm, slightly territorial towards other members of their species
🌾 Aquarium: From 100 liters, with roots, stones, caves & gentle current

🍽️ Feeding:
The Panaqolus albivermis (L204) is a typical wood-eater ( xylophagous ). It requires a constant supply of soft driftwood, which it uses as a source of fiber. It also consumes plant-based foods such as seaweed wafers, spirulina, vegetable chips, cucumber, and zucchini. Occasionally, it will also accept frozen foods like brine shrimp or cyclops.

💡 Tip:
A well-structured, oxygen-rich aquarium with a gentle current and regular water changes ensures well-being and vibrant colors. The high-contrast striped pattern is shown off to its best advantage against a dark substrate.

👉 Conclusion:
The L204 Flash Pleco ( Panaqolus albivermis ) is a rare, peaceful wild-caught fish with a distinctive striped pattern – perfect for lovers of small, intensely colored wood-eating fish from South America.