Size
The Panaque can grow to be over 40 inches long as an adult.
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
The Panaque’s body is covered with armor-like scutes that guard its delicate internal organs. The Panaque does not have precise scales, like other catfish species. Along with their armour, these catfish have strong spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins. These are employed defensively to prevent the animal from being sucked whole by a large predator or to wedge the animal into a cleft from which the predator cannot retrieve it. Irises are another characteristic that is common in armoured catfish. Since many fish have fixed-sized irises, they are unable to control the amount of light that enters their eyes. Both sexes of the Panaque develop the odontodes on the side of the skull, immediately above the pectoral fins.
Habitat
The Panaque loves medium-hardness aquarium settings with lots of oxygen and low organic load. The catfish benefit from using a diffuser, oxidation, or bubbling stone. Between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius must be maintained for tank water.
Keeping as Pet
- Tank Requirement
This group fish is a suitable catfish. Older Panaques may eventually become a little bit aggressive. It is a common by-fish for discus and can be kept successfully in communal tanks with fish that have comparable needs. Shrimp and the Green Panaque get along well. A smaller aquarium starting at 150 cm is advised for a group of 3–4 creatures. Older animals should be kept in aquariums that are 300 cm long or longer because the Panaque can grow to be quite huge.
The aquarium’s floor area needs to be very carefully organized. In contrast to caves, green panaques prefer to bury themselves beneath roots. However, roots are enthusiastically shredded and gouged. This catfish also enjoys devouring plants and algae cover. It is thought that the Green Panaque is a very skilled algae eater.
- Water Conditions
In the aquarium, the Green Panaque prefers water that is soft to moderately hard; a high oxygen content and a low organic load are both crucial. A diffuser, oxydator, or bubbling stone can be used to benefit catfish. The water in the aquarium should be between 24 and 29 °C.
- Diet
An omnivore, Panaque sp. loves plants and even gnaws on delicate roots. These should constantly be present in the aquarium since the wood’s fibers are necessary for the Green Panaque’s digestion. Additionally, special catfish sticks, vegetables, and frozen food are also gratefully received.
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