L398 Pleco (Panaqolus tankei)
 
The L398 Pleco (Panaqolus tankei), also known as the Orange Tiger Pleco, is a small, vividly patterned Loricariid from Brazil’s Rio Xingu basin. Its bold orange and dark brown banding make it one of the most visually striking members of the Panaqolus genus. Like its relatives, it’s a peaceful, wood-eating species that thrives in warm, soft, and well-oxygenated waters with plenty of driftwood and hiding spaces.
 
Scientific Classification
Scientific Name: Panaqolus tankei (L398)
Common Names: L398 Pleco, Orange Tiger Pleco
Family: Loricariidae
Origin: Rio Xingu, Pará, Brazil
Adult Size: 8–10 cm (3–4 inches)
Lifespan: 8–12 years
 
Appearance
Panaqolus tankei displays a stunning contrast of orange and dark brown to black vertical striping across its body and fins. The pattern is usually more uniform and defined than in related species like P. albivermis (L204). Its body is compact and armored, with a flattened underside and a broad, shovel-like head. The mouth features a strong suction disk for clinging to submerged wood and scraping biofilm and fibers.
Males develop slightly broader heads and more pronounced odontodes (bristles) on the pectoral spines when mature, while females remain smoother and rounder-bodied.
 
Behavior & Temperament
This is a peaceful, nocturnal bottom-dweller, ideal for community or biotope aquariums. It is shy by day, preferring the cover of driftwood or caves, and becomes more active at night when foraging. Males may be territorial toward other plecos if insufficient hiding spaces are provided, but serious aggression is rare.
 
Tank Requirements
Minimum Tank Size: 100 liters (25 gallons)
Temperature: 26–30°C (79–86°F)
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Water Hardness: 2–12 dGH
Water Flow: Moderate to strong (replicating Xingu River currents)
Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel
Lighting: Dim to moderate
 
Décor:
Ample driftwood (vital for feeding and shelter)
Stones and pleco caves for territory and spawning
Leaf litter and botanicals for tannin enrichment
Gentle water movement and high oxygen levels preferred
 
Diet
Panaqolus tankei is a xylivore (wood-eating species) that grazes on wood surfaces and the microorganisms living there.
Feed a diet rich in fiber and vegetable matter:
Sinking pleco wafers containing wood fiber or spirulina
Blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach, pumpkin)
Occasional treats of bloodworms or brine shrimp
Essential: Constant access to driftwood for digestive health
Avoid overfeeding protein-based foods, which can cause bloating or digestive issues.
 
Breeding
Like other Panaqolus, the L398 is a cave spawner and can be bred successfully in aquaria.
Setup: Provide several tight-fitting pleco caves (ceramic or wood).
Courtship: Males guard chosen caves and attract females to lay adhesive eggs.
Incubation: Males fan and guard the eggs until hatching (5–7 days).
 
Fry Care:
Fry feed first on wood biofilm
Later accept powdered vegetable-based foods and crushed spirulina wafers
Maintain soft, clean, warm water (28–30°C) for best survival rates
 
Care Sheet
Tank Size: 100L+
Temperature: 26–30°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 2–12 dGH
Diet: Herbivore / xylivore (wood-based)
Temperament: Peaceful, nocturnal
Breeding: Cave spawner
Lifespan: 8–12 years