L397 Tangerine Tiger Pleco – Panaqolus sp. | Orange Tiger Catfish & Wood Eater

The L397 Tangerine Tiger Pleco ( Panaqolus sp. “L397” ) is one of the most popular and colorfully striking representatives of the genus Panaqolus . Originally from the Rio Xingu in Brazil, it impresses with its intense orange-red base color and the contrasting, dark transverse stripes – a true “tiger pattern” that makes it a highlight in any aquarium.

The L397 remains small, reaching a final size of approximately 10–12 cm, and is a peaceful, calm wood-eating fish that prefers to stay among roots. It is robust, adaptable, and well-suited for aquarists with intermediate experience.

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

🍽️ Feeding:
The L397 Tangerine Tiger Pleco is a typical wood-eater ( xylophagous ). It always requires soft driftwood to rasp on. It also eats plant-based foods such as spirulina, seaweed wafers, vegetable chips, zucchini, and cucumber. Additionally, it will accept frozen foods like brine shrimp or cyclops.

💡 Tip:
A well-structured aquarium with plenty of roots and shaded areas promotes natural behavior and well-being. The orange tiger stripes are shown off to their best advantage against a dark substrate.

👉 Conclusion:
The L397 Tangerine Tiger Pleco ( Panaqolus sp. “L397” ) is a peaceful, colorful wood-eating fish with a bright tiger pattern – perfect for lovers of striking, small Panaqolus species and naturalistic South American aquariums.