L397 Tangerine Tiger Pleco - (Panaqolus sp.)

🐅 L397 Tangerine Tiger Pleco (Panaqolus sp.)

The L397 Tangerine Tiger Pleco is a small and vividly striped pleco that brings bold orange and black contrast to any aquarium. Perfect for hobbyists looking for a manageable, eye-catching bottom dweller with personality!

📌 Quick Facts

• 🔬 Scientific Name: Panaqolus sp. (L397)
• 🎨 Common Name: Tangerine Tiger Pleco
• 💥 Appearance: Bright orange body with bold black tiger-like stripes
• 📏 Max Size: 4–5 inches (10–12.5 cm)

🧠 Behavior & Temperament

• 😌 Temperament: Peaceful and shy, especially when young
• 🌙 Activity: Mostly nocturnal but becomes active during feeding
• 👥 Tankmates: Safe with other peaceful community fish

🏠 Tank Requirements

• 🧱 Minimum Tank Size: 30+ gallons
• 🏞️ Aquascape Tips:
  • Driftwood is essential (they are wood grazers)
  • Add rockwork and hiding spots for security
• 🌡️ Water Parameters:
  • Temp: 77–84°F (25–29°C)
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Good water flow and oxygenation

🍽️ Diet

• 🌿 Herbivore with wood-grazing tendencies:
  • Sinking algae wafers
  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach)
  • Specialized wood-based pleco foods
  • 🐟 Give your fish the best with the same high-quality nutrition we use every day! 🐟 At Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids, we feed a balanced mix of protein-rich and vegetable-based fish foods to keep our plecos, cichlids, and other tropical fish healthy, active, and thriving. These premium fish foods are specially formulated to enhance natural color, promote strong growth, and support long-term health—making them a trusted choice for aquarium hobbyists worldwide.
    • Fluval Bug Bites Pleco Formula
    • Fluval Bug Bites Tropical
    • Hikari Massivore Delight
    • Hikari Massivore Delight
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♀️♂️ Sexing

• 🔍 Sexing Info:
  • Males have more pronounced odontodes (bristles) on the cheeks and pectoral fins
  • Females are rounder-bodied, especially when full of eggs

📋 At-a-Glance Table

💡 A favorite among pleco enthusiasts, the L397’s vibrant coloration and manageable size make it an ideal choice for planted aquariums or dedicated pleco tanks. Its peaceful nature and low aggression level make it easy to keep even in community setups.