Blue Eyed Royal Pleco - (Panaque cochliodon)

🐟 Blue Eyed Royal Pleco (Panaque cochliodon)

A rare and stunning pleco species, the Blue Eyed Royal Pleco is celebrated for its striking blue eyes and unique wood-eating habits. This species was absent from the aquarium hobby for many years due to civil unrest and pollution in its native rivers but is now slowly making a comeback.

🔎 Quick Facts

• 📛 Common Name: Blue Eyed Royal Pleco
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Panaque cochliodon
• 🎨 Appearance: Dark body with light-colored spots, highlighted by captivating bright blue eyes
• 📏 Max Size: Up to 18 inches (35 cm)

⚠️ Important Notes

• The Blue Eyed Royal Pleco was absent from the aquarium hobby for many years due to civil unrest and environmental pollution affecting its native rivers.
• It is often confused and mislabeled as Panaque suttonorum, a species that is most likely not present in the hobby due to its remote habitat and export difficulties.
• Unscrupulous exporters or sellers sometimes label Panaque cochliodon as Panaque suttonorum to increase profit, which misleads unknowing buyers.

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• Peaceful and nocturnal, primarily active at night
• Wood-eating species, requiring driftwood in the aquarium for proper digestion
• Prefers hiding spots and caves

🏠 Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons or larger
• Setup Needs:
  • 🪵 Abundant driftwood for grazing and hiding
  • 🪨 Plenty of caves and rocks for shelter
  • 🌿 Moderate water flow with well-oxygenated water
• Water Parameters:
  • 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
  • 💧 pH: 6.5–7.5
  • 🧪 Soft to moderately hard water

🍽️ Diet

• Specialized diet:
  • Primarily wood (driftwood) for fiber digestion
  • Supplement with algae wafers, vegetables, and occasional protein 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

• Males tend to have larger odontodes (bristles) on the cheeks and pectoral fins
• Females generally have a rounder abdomen

📋 Overview Table

The Blue Eyed Royal Pleco is a rare and fascinating species making a comeback in the hobby. Proper identification and care ensure this extraordinary pleco thrives in your aquarium.