Red Eyed Royal Pleco - (Panaque sp. Tocantins)

🐟 Red Eyed Royal Pleco – (Panaque sp. “Tocantins”) – Rare South American Pleco for Sale

The Red Eyed Royal Pleco (Panaque sp. “Tocantins”) is a rare and highly sought-after wood-eating pleco known for its striking red eyes, bold body pattern, and robust build. Native to the Tocantins River Basin in Brazil, this pleco is closely related to other Royal Plecos but stands out for its vivid eye color and unique regional markings.

Like all Panaque, it is primarily a xylophage (wood-eater) and requires driftwood in its diet to aid digestion. This fish is both beautiful and functional, helping to keep driftwood surfaces clean while being a centerpiece species in large aquariums.

🔎 Quick Facts – Red Eyed Royal Pleco (Panaque sp. “Tocantins”)

• 📛 Common Names: Red Eyed Royal Pleco, Tocantins Royal Pleco
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Panaque sp. “Tocantins”
• 🌍 Origin: Tocantins River Basin, Brazil
• 🎨 Appearance: Heavy-bodied with bold dark and light banding, deep red eyes, and powerful sucker mouth
• 📏 Max Size: 12–15 inches (30–38 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Rare; mostly wild-caught from Brazil

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🤝 Generally peaceful with similarly sized fish
• ⚠️ Can be territorial toward other plecos over preferred hiding spots
• 🐟 Requires driftwood for both shelter and diet
• 🧠 Nocturnal but may adapt to daytime activity in aquariums

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 75+ gallons
• 🌿 Large pieces of driftwood for grazing and hiding
• 🪵 Smooth rocks and sturdy décor
• 💡 Moderate lighting
• 🌊 Strong filtration to handle heavy waste output

💧 Water Parameters – Red Eyed Royal Pleco Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.5–7.5
• 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

🍽️ Diet – Primarily Herbivorous (Xylophage)

• 🪵 Essential driftwood for digestion
• 🥬 Blanched vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, and spinach
• 🌾 Algae wafers and spirulina-based pellets
• 🦐 Occasional protein foods (shrimp, bloodworms) in moderation

📋 Red Eyed Royal Pleco Care Overview Table

✨ Highlight:

• The Red Eyed Royal Pleco is a rare, large-growing wood-eating pleco from the Tocantins River, prized for its stunning red eyes and bold coloration—perfect for advanced pleco keepers seeking a unique showpiece.