L106 Pleco (supplier-listed Panaque sp.)

L106 is the trade identifier for this supplier-listed aquarium catfish. The exact supplier entry calls it “L106 Panaque / sp.”. This page retains that label as a buying identity, not a formally verified scientific species assignment. It does not establish the fish’s collection locality, genetic line or individual measurements. Do not choose a specialised diet or breeding project from the generic genus label alone.

What you receive

Each selected quantity is one unsexed live fish, not a sexed or bonded pair. The approximate dispatch grade for this option is 4–6 cm; the separate 7–10 cm grade is not offered by this default option. The current selector has no sex or individual-photo choice. There is currently no gallery photograph, so precise colour and fin proportions cannot be selected visually here. Contact the team before ordering if an exact appearance or species-level determination is essential.

Care planning and water

The dated supplier guide lists 24–27°C, pH 6.0–7.5, 0–15 dGH and an adult-size estimate of 12–15 cm. These are supplier guidance, not current holding measurements, a promise of tolerance at every endpoint, or a guaranteed adult maximum. In particular, a range beginning at zero hardness is not advice to strip minerals from an aquarium. Ask about holding conditions and acclimate gradually; avoid abrupt changes to reach a printed number.

Prepare mature filtration, oxygenated water and sufficient floor area for the adult fish and its companions. Provide smooth substrate, stable shelters and a shaded retreat while keeping access for observation and feeding. General OATA freshwater-catfish guidance supports these preparation principles, but does not establish a species-specific minimum for this unresolved trade label. Have the dimensions and complete stocking plan assessed before buying; do not use the juvenile dispatch grade as an adult tank-size limit.

Feeding and compatibility

Confirm suitable food and what the fish is taking before ordering. Offer appropriate complete sinking food where the individual can reach it, then observe actual acceptance and body condition. Do not rely on leftovers from other fish or buy it as a guaranteed algae-cleaning service. The supplier entry does not establish a natural diet, so neither obligatory wood eating nor a particular wild feeding ecology is claimed here.

Check exact companions’ long-term water, adult size and feeding needs. Avoid predators, persistent harassment and competition that prevents this fish using its shelter or reaching food. A generic label such as “community fish” is not a compatibility plan. Provide separate retreats where needed and have a mature separation option if chasing or food exclusion persists. Compare current South American catfish listings by care, sale grade and unit as well as appearance.

Arrival and ongoing observation

Read the current delivery and live-arrival conditions before ordering, including receiving and evidence requirements. Follow the parcel’s acclimation instructions; temperature matching alone does not match pH or hardness. Avoid adding transport water and do not leave an opened transport bag standing unnecessarily.

Observe breathing, posture, feeding access and body condition after settling. Check measured water quality and oxygenation if appetite or normal behaviour declines; persistent problems need qualified aquatic advice rather than blind medication. A future image or species determination may improve planning, but this written trade identity is not a current-stock or photo-provenance certificate.