L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco (Panaqolus sp. “L397”)

The L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco is a stunning small pleco, highly sought after for its bold orange to red-orange striping over a dark base colour. Also known as the Red-striped Alenquer Pleco or Tangerine Tiger Pleco, this colourful Panaqolus-type pleco stays a manageable size compared with many larger pleco species, making it a fantastic choice for a mature freshwater aquarium with plenty of wood, shelter and stable water quality. It is generally peaceful, but like many plecos, it appreciates its own space and a well-structured layout.

Common Name:
L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco. Also commonly sold as the Red-striped Alenquer Pleco, Tangerine Tiger Pleco, L397 Tiger Pleco or Super Red Alenquer Tiger Pleco.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Panaqolus sp. “L397”

Maximum Size:
Around 10–13 cm in captivity, depending on sex, age and bloodline.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco is associated with Brazil, with trade references linking it to the Alenquer region and wider Amazon basin. Many specimens available in the aquarium trade are now captive-bred. Like other Panaqolus-type plecos, it is associated with habitats containing submerged wood, root tangles, rock crevices and sheltered areas where it can graze and hide.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: soft to moderately hard water

Temperament:
Generally peaceful, although adult males may become territorial around caves, wood and preferred hiding places. It is best kept with calm community fish that will not bully it or outcompete it for food after lights out.

Diet:
Omnivorous wood grazer. It should be offered plenty of aquarium-safe bogwood, along with sinking pleco wafers, algae wafers, vegetable-based foods, spirulina foods, courgette, cucumber and occasional protein-rich frozen foods such as bloodworm or brineshrimp. Wood should be considered an important part of the setup, not just decoration.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical recommendation is at least 100–120 litres for a single adult or small group, with larger aquariums preferred if keeping multiple males or breeding groups.

Behaviour & Activity:
This is a mainly bottom-dwelling, cave-loving pleco that is often more active during the evening and after lights out. It will spend much of its time grazing on wood, exploring surfaces and resting in caves or shaded areas. In a well-set-up aquarium, it can become more confident and visible, especially at feeding time.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
This species is peaceful enough for a suitable community aquarium, especially with tetras, rasboras, peaceful barbs, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids, rainbowfish and other calm freshwater fish. It should not be kept with aggressive bottom-dwellers, large predatory fish or species that may harass it in its caves.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
This pleco needs a mature aquarium with stable water quality, excellent filtration, good oxygenation and plenty of hiding places. Bogwood is essential, as Panaqolus-type plecos naturally rasp and graze on wood and biofilm. Provide caves, shaded areas and smooth décor, especially if keeping more than one. Avoid sharp substrates and poor water quality, as plecos can be sensitive to long-term nitrate build-up and unstable conditions.

Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade, often available as captive-bred specimens

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.

Plecos

L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco - Panaqolus Sp.