Royal pleco
Panaque nigrolineatus
Where at Shedd?
Amazon Rising
| Diet | Algae, plant debris, small crustaceans, insect larvae and wood |
|---|---|
| Size | Length: Up to 17 inches (43 cm) |
| Type | Fishes |
| Range | Venezuela-Brazil |
| Habitat | Freshwaters of the Orinoco and southern middle and lower Amazon River tributaries |
Did you know?
- This suckermouth catfish uses its rasping teeth to scour algae from pieces of driftwood, scraping off bits of wood in the process.
- This fish can even digest wood, which adds cellulose to its already diverse diet.
- As young fry, these fish have spots that disappear as they age.
- Also called an emperor pleco, this species use their mouths to attach to rocks, which can prevent them from being carried away by currents.