L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco (Panaqolus sp.) for Sale in Canada

The L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco (Panaqolus sp.) is a beautiful and highly desirable L-number pleco known for its bold tiger-like striping, compact size, and fascinating relationship with driftwood. This rare South American catfish is an excellent choice for pleco collectors and aquarists looking for a distinctive bottom-dwelling fish with plenty of personality.

The Alenquer Tiger Pleco belongs to the Panaqolus group, a group of plecos well known for species that rasp and digest wood as part of their natural feeding behaviour. For this reason, natural driftwood should be considered an important part of the aquarium environment.

With its attractive striped pattern and manageable adult size, the L397 can become a stunning feature fish in a specialist pleco aquarium or a carefully planned peaceful community tank.

Monster Aquarium Canada offers L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco for hobbyists looking to buy rare L-number plecos and unique freshwater fish in Canada.

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Why Choose an L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco?

A Beautiful and Collectible Wood-Eating Pleco

The L397 is prized for its distinctive appearance and fascinating behaviour.

Key Features

Premium Characteristics

• Rare and collectible L-number pleco
• Bold tiger-like striped pattern
• Compact and manageable adult size
• Fascinating wood-rasping behaviour
• Member of the Panaqolus group
• Excellent specialist pleco for collectors
• Unique South American freshwater catfish
• Attractive addition to planted or natural aquariums
• Fascinating bottom-dwelling behaviour

Individual colour and stripe patterns may vary between specimens.

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How Large Does an L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco Grow?

A Manageable L-Number Pleco

The L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco generally reaches approximately 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) as an adult.

This makes it considerably more manageable than many large-growing plecos, but it still requires sufficient aquarium space, strong filtration, and a suitable long-term setup.

Always plan your aquarium around the adult size of the fish rather than its size when purchased.

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Aquarium Size and Setup

Driftwood Is an Important Part of the Setup

A 30-gallon aquarium or larger is a reasonable starting point for a single adult L397, while a larger aquarium is recommended for community setups or multiple bottom-dwelling fish.

Recommended Aquarium Features

• Mature biological filtration
• Stable, clean water
• Good oxygenation
• Gentle to moderate water movement
• Natural driftwood
• Smooth rocks
• Secure caves
• Shaded resting areas
• Fine or smooth substrate
• Open bottom areas

Why Driftwood Matters

Unlike many ordinary aquarium fish, Panaqolus species are adapted to rasp wood. Driftwood can provide natural grazing surfaces and forms an important part of their environment.

Provide suitable aquarium-safe hardwood and monitor the condition of the wood over time.

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Water Parameters

Basic L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco Care

• Scientific Name: Panaqolus sp.
• Common Name: L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco
• L-Number: L397
• Potential Adult Size: Approximately 4–5 inches (10–13 cm)
• Origin: Alenquer region, Brazil
• Temperature: Approximately 25–30°C (77–86°F)
• pH: Approximately 5.5–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Generally peaceful but may be territorial with other plecos
• Diet: Omnivorous / wood-oriented grazer
• Swimming Level: Bottom
• Activity: Often more active during dim conditions

Stable water quality and strong filtration are important for long-term success.

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What Does an L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco Eat?

A Varied Diet With Driftwood Available

The L397 should receive a balanced diet in addition to access to suitable driftwood.

Recommended Foods

• High-quality sinking pleco pellets
• Vegetable-based wafers
• Algae wafers
• Spirulina foods
• Repashy-style gel foods where appropriate
• Suitable vegetables in moderation
• Small amounts of protein-rich foods
• Natural driftwood for grazing

Important Feeding Advice

Do not rely on aquarium algae alone. Provide a varied diet and ensure that driftwood is always available as part of the aquarium environment.

Remove excess food regularly to help maintain clean water.

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Behaviour and Temperament

A Peaceful Pleco With Individual Personality

The L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco is generally peaceful with compatible fish but may defend a preferred cave, piece of driftwood, or resting area against other bottom dwellers.

You may observe it:

• Rasping driftwood
• Resting beneath wood or rocks
• Exploring the aquarium after lights dim
• Searching surfaces for food
• Becoming territorial around favourite shelters

Providing multiple hiding places and more than one piece of driftwood can help reduce competition when keeping several bottom-dwelling fish.

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Compatible Tank Mates

Choose Peaceful Tropical Species

Potential compatible tank mates may include appropriately sized fish that tolerate warm, clean freshwater conditions.

Possible companions include:

• Peaceful tetras
• Compatible rasboras
• Peaceful dwarf cichlids
• Other non-aggressive catfish
• Carefully selected community fish

Avoid

• Large predatory fish
• Highly aggressive cichlids
• Excessively territorial bottom dwellers
• Fish requiring much cooler water
• Plecos competing aggressively for limited caves or driftwood

Always consider aquarium size and the adult requirements of all species.

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L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco in a Planted Aquarium

A Natural and Attractive Setup

The L397 can be a wonderful addition to a carefully planned planted aquarium with sufficient bottom space and sturdy décor.

Consider including:

• Driftwood
• Smooth rocks
• Sturdy plants
• Natural caves
• Shaded areas
• Open grazing surfaces
• Efficient filtration

Secure plants properly, as large pieces of driftwood and bottom-dwelling activity can occasionally disturb loosely rooted plants.

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Why Buy L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco from Monster Aquarium Canada?

Rare Plecos for Canadian Aquarium Hobbyists

Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in rare freshwater fish, unusual tropical fish, L-number plecos, Panaqolus plecos, monster fish, aquarium foods, medications, and specialist aquarium supplies.

A Unique Pleco for Collectors

The L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco is an excellent choice for hobbyists searching for a rare, beautifully patterned pleco with fascinating wood-grazing behaviour and a manageable adult size.

Before ordering, ensure your aquarium is mature and prepared with stable water conditions, efficient filtration, suitable driftwood, secure hiding places, and appropriate long-term care.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How large does the L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco grow?

The L397 generally reaches approximately 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) as an adult.

2. Does the L397 need driftwood?

Yes. Because Panaqolus plecos naturally rasp wood, suitable aquarium-safe driftwood should be an important part of their environment.

3. What does an L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco eat?

It benefits from a varied diet including quality sinking pleco foods, vegetable-based wafers, spirulina foods, occasional protein-rich foods, and access to natural driftwood.

4. Is the L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco peaceful?

It is generally peaceful with compatible fish but may become territorial around preferred caves, driftwood, or resting areas.

5. What aquarium size does an L397 need?

A 30-gallon aquarium or larger is a reasonable starting point for a single adult, with larger aquariums recommended for community setups.