L204 Flash Pleco

Panaqolus albivermis, widely known as the Flash Pleco or L-204, is a small, striking freshwater catfish from Peru prized in the aquarium hobby for its pinstripe pattern and wood-grazing habits.

Appearance & Size

Max Size:
Reaches about 9.6 cm to 12 cm (3.8 to 4.8 inches) standard length.

Coloration:
Dark chocolate brown to black body overlaid with thin, bright white to yellow oblique stripes or pinstripes.

Physical Traits:

• Spoon-shaped teeth designed for rasping wood.
• Mature males develop longer body bristles (odontodes).

Habitat & Origin

Geographic Range:
Endemic to the San Alejandro River drainage, a tributary of the upper Ucayali River in central Peru.

Water Parameters:

• Prefers temperatures between 24°C–28°C (75°F–82°F).
• A pH of 6.0–7.5.
• Clean, well-oxygenated water with moderate flow.

Aquarium Care & Diet

Diet:

• Primarily herbivorous/wood-eating.
• Requires actual driftwood in the tank for proper digestion.
• Supplement diet with sinking algae wafers, spirulina, and blanched vegetables like zucchini or cucumber.

Behavior:

• Generally peaceful with community fish.
• May show mild territorial aggression toward other bottom-dwellers or their own kind over hiding caves.