Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Royal Pleco

Panaque nigrolineatus

Also called Royal panaque, Royal plec

SpeciesShort profile

From Orinoco and Amazon river basins and their tributaries in Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela1 2

At a glance the quick version

Lengthup to 43 cm1 2

Sizelarge

One of very few fish that can eat and digest wood

Impressive size and striking striped pattern

Calm, slow-moving bottom-dweller

Looks how to spot one

Armoured suckermouth catfish

A large, heavy-bodied pleco with bony armour, a powerful sucker mouth and spoon-shaped teeth for scraping wood. The head is broad and the body tapers toward a wide tail.1

Colourslight grey basedark grey lengthwise stripesred eyescream or gold edge on the dorsal fin1

Personality what they are like

Shy in bright light and likes to stay hidden by day. Generally leaves other fish alone but defends its resting places from other plecos.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Mainly nocturnal, becoming active in the evening when it moves around the tank rasping at wood.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Keep water at 22 to 26 C, pH 6.5 to 7.5 and hardness 2 to 15 dH, with plenty of oxygen. Powerful filtration and regular water changes handle the waste from its wood-heavy diet.1 2

Home where they are happiest

FishBase gives a minimum tank length of 120 cm, and as an adult it needs plenty of space. Provide large pieces of driftwood and secure hiding spots.1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Driftwood is a staple, alongside vegetables, plant matter and algae. Supply fresh wood and vegetables regularly.1 2

Company who they like around

Can live with other fish, but give it enough room and its own resting areas, as it can be territorial with other bottom-dwellers.1

The story where it all began

Peters described the royal pleco in 1877, and it became the type species of Panaque in 1889. It is one of the most recognisable large plecos in fishkeeping and is widely collected for the aquarium trade in Colombia.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is one of the very few fish able to eat and digest wood, helped by bacteria in its gut.1
2
It was first named Chaetostomus nigrolineatus before being moved to Panaque, where it became the genus's type species.1
3
A subspecies, P. n. laurafabianae, lives in the Guaviare River in the Orinoco basin.1
4
It can gulp air when needed, a trait called facultative air-breathing.2

Recognised by the official bits

Taxonomy: Described by Peters in 1877 as Chaetostomus nigrolineatus; type species of the genus Panaque; two subspecies recognised1
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2020)2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Royal Pleco. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Feedingevery day
Water changeAbout 30 to 50% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Filter rinseevery 2 weeks

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Royal Pleco?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding daily. Provide driftwood and vegetables regularly as they are staples. Always follow the food label and consult your vet for exact amounts.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Royal Pleco eat, and what should it never eat?

It eats driftwood, vegetables, plant matter and algae. For foods it should never eat, that varies by individual; ask your exotic-pet vet for a safe list.1 2

How much space does a Royal Pleco need?

A minimum tank length of 120 cm is recommended, with plenty of space as an adult. Provide large driftwood and secure hiding spots.1 2

What temperature, light or water does a Royal Pleco need?

Keep water at 22-26°C, pH 6.5-7.5, hardness 2-15 dH, with good oxygen. It is shy in bright light, so provide dim lighting or shaded areas.1 2

How often should I clean a Royal Pleco's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly water change of 30-50% and rinsing the filter every two weeks. Regular cleaning helps manage waste from its wood-heavy diet.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

Can a Royal Pleco live with others?

Yes, it can live with other fish if given enough space and its own resting areas. It may be territorial with other bottom-dwellers, so avoid other plecos.1

How long does a Royal Pleco live?

Lifespan varies; ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations.

Can I handle a Royal Pleco?

Handling is not recommended as it is a shy, nocturnal fish that prefers hiding. For specific advice, consult an exotic-pet vet.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Clown Pleco

Gold Nugget Pleco

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

Panaque nigrolineatus - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, origin, size, colour, diet, behaviour, care, history
Panaque nigrolineatus - FishBase fishbase.seused for origin, size, water parameters, tank size, IUCN, author

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.