L027 Royal Pleco (Panaque nigrolineatus)
Available now
This Regal Wood‑Eater eater isn’t just another bottom‑dweller — it’s river royalty. Bold vertical striping, armored plates, and red eyes make it a centerpiece in any large aquarium. Growing up to 17 inches, this pleco is one of the few species that can actually digest driftwood, thanks to its spoon‑shaped teeth.
At Uncle Joe’s Fish Shed, our Royals are offered in very limited runs, as thy are hard to come by. Hand‑selected for health and sustainability. Quality comes in one form — carefully raised, responsibly sourced, and delivered with peace of mind.
Distinctive look: Black vertical stripes, armored body, red eyes
Unique trait: True wood‑eater, thrives with driftwood
Exclusive stock: Limited availability, curated for serious aquarists
Cool, rare, and gone fast — claim your Royal before the throne is empty.
🌍 Conservation Status: Not formally listed as threatened, but wild populations in the Amazon and Orinoco basins face pressure from habitat loss and over‑collection.
Species Care
🌡️ Tank Setup
- Temp: 73–81°F
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- Size: 125+ gallons minimum
- Strong filtration, high oxygenation
- Provide driftwood (essential for diet) and caves
🍽️ Feeding
- True wood‑eater: requires driftwood for digestion
- Supplement with algae wafers, sinking pellets, and vegetables (zucchini, cucumber)
- Occasional protein (shrimp, bloodworms)
👥 Behavior & Compatibility
- Peaceful, avoids conflict
- Territorial with other large plecos — provide multiple hiding spots
- Best with non‑aggressive tankmates
🧪 Care Notes
- Heavy bioload — filtration must be strong
- Weekly water changes (30–40%)
- Limited run — quality comes with a price, but peace of mind is included
🐣 Breeding Tips
- Cave spawner: males guard eggs in tight spaces
- Rarely bred in home aquariums due to size requirements
- Provide multiple caves and condition with protein‑rich foods
- Fry feed on biofilm, then transition to baby brine shrimp
🚚 From River to Your Door Sustainably sourced, raised with care, and offered only when it meets Uncle Joe’s standards.