Blue-eyed Panaque | Panaque suttoni

Catfish / Loricariidae / Royal Panaque

Profile: Blue-eyed Panaque, Blue-eyed Plecostomus
Panaque suttoni
Synonyms: None
Physical description: It is covered everywhere but the belly with large bony plates. The head is large, broad, and flat. The mouth is on the underside of the head and is shaped like a suction cup. The body color is black. The dorsal fin stands tall when erect. The iris of healthy individuals is bright blue.
Size/Length: To 18" (45 cm)
Similar species: Hypostomus and other Panaque species.
Habitat: Small rapid rivers. South America; Columbia.
S: bottom
Aquarium: 48" (122 cm) or 55 gallon (209 L) is suggested. Maintenance as for P. nigrolineatus.
Water chemistry: pH 6.5-7.5 (6.8), 2-12 (8), 72-79°F (22-26°C)
Social behavior: Aggressive towards own species, but peaceful towards other fish. Can be combined with small to large, peaceful fish. Nocturnal.
Suggested companions: Corydoras, tetras, Discus, Apistogramma
FOOD: Algae; fruit; vegetables; peas, spinach, lettuce; live; crustaceans, insect larvae. See P. nigrolineatus for other notes.
Sexual differences: Unknown
Breeding techniques: Unknown
Breeding potential: 10. Breeding has not been successful in aquaria.
Remarks: See P. nigrolineatus.
Difficulty of care: 7. The Blue-eyed Panaque is a challenging fish to care for, but well worth the effort for its beauty. They are sensitive to water quality and medications and are also subject to disease.