Panaqolus sp. L329
L329 is certainly never going to be one of the more popular and sought-after Panaqolus species. Its modest looks don’t really do it any favours, and it’s not a very high priority for Peruvian exporters. Juvenile L329 have a little more going for them in the looks department with their light vertical bands, but sadly this quite appealing pattern fades with age. For those looking for a Panaqolus species that isn’t kept by “everybody else” however, this is a nice option. It’s easy to maintain when well settled, and they don’t quarrel much among themselves. So far, and to the best of my knowledge, no reports of captive breeding of L329 exist.
Facts:
Name: Panaqolus sp. “L329”
Trade names: L329, LDA27, LDA28, Peru Orange Longtail Panaque
Origin: Rio Huallaga, Rio Yavari, Rio Itaya (?), Peru
Maximum size: 18 cm / 7''
Panaqolus species are great aquarium fish. They need shelter in the form of wood and rocks, and if they feel safe they will venture out in search of food even during daytime. They prefer a vegetarian diet, and of course wood is essential for their digestion. Some crustaceans and insect larvae can be added to their diet, but a diet consisting of too much protein and too little vegetarian food can cause trouble. They are peaceful Plecos, but males can be quarrelsome over territories and food. Panaqolus species are slightly more challenging to breed than many other popular Plecos, but it's usually all a matter of time and patience. When they do, they breed in typical Loricariidae manner with the male guarding the brood in his cave. Usually, male Panaqolus develop quite impressive odontodal growth on their flanks and on their fins.
L329 can be confused with another Panaqolus species from Rio Huallaga, Peru: L351. When compared, L329 has bigger eyes set further apart, a more yellowish colouration and (when young) a more striped pattern. L329 is sometimes erroneously exported as L351 from Peru. It can also occur as bycatch in shipments of the rather common Panaqolus changae (L226). The caudal filaments of L329 can grow to impressive lengths. This species very rarely enters the trade in significant numbers.
More info:
http://www.l-welse.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/344
http://www.planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?species_id=1685