Care
The Red-striped Alenquer plec is a beautiful small species ideally suited to smaller aquaria. Wild habitats consist of plenty of shelter in the form of waterlogged wood and rock crevices.
An essential component of decor in any tank housing Panaqolus is wood. The tank MUST contain plenty of this for this wood-munching species to thrive. These plecs will feel most at home under subdued lighting but will be more active in a well-furnished tank. Plenty of decor consisting primarily of bogwood, with rocks/cobbles and planting will all help to create much appreciated shady refuges. Excellent water conditions should be maintained at all times via the use of a powerful filtration system that can cope with the amount of wood waste. A good current and high level of oxygenation will serve the fish well, and may even tempt them into breeding. Although territorial amongst themselves over preferred caves, these fish are peaceful towards community fish and should only be kept alongside small quiet species e.g. small tetras, hatchet fish, pencilfish etc.
Colourful juveniles grow quickly and seem to be especially tolerant of harder water than many other L numbers. May be seen as Tiger plec, or Alenquer tiger plec.
Feeding
The aquarium MUST contain bogwood for these wood-eating fish to chew on. Sinking catfish pellets, algae wafers, small frozen foods and vegetable matter such as cucumber, squash, sweet potato etc will also be enjoyed. Frozen foods will be eagerly taken but make sure that this species gets plenty of fibre in its diet.
Breeding
An increase in water current coupled with a series of cool partial water changes with soft water may trigger a spawning amongst small tight caves. The males provides all the parental care and a small clutch of eggs takes around seven days to hatch at the higher end of their preferred temperature range.
