L398 Tanke Tiger Pleco 'Rio Xingu' (Panaqolus tankei)

Common Name

Tanke Tiger Pleco, L398

Scientific name

Panaqolus tankei   |   Trade code, L398

Origin and Habitat

Native to the middle and lower stretches of Brazil’s Rio Xingu in Pará State. This striking species lives in fast, clear, highly oxygenated water over smooth granite, cobble, and coarse sand. Submerged driftwood provides shelter, feeding surface, and soft fiber. Like many Xingu endemics, Tankei Tiger Plecos rely on complex rockwork and driftwood tangles to avoid predators and establish territories.

Temperature and Water Conditions

Preferred range is 78 to 84 F, which is 26 to 29 C. Wild water in the Xingu is typically soft and slightly acidic, commonly around pH 6.0 to 7.2. The key to success is stability and cleanliness. We do not recommend chasing exact numbers, since stable, well oxygenated water is far more important than precision. Provide strong current, consistent oxygen levels, and excellent filtration.

Appearance and Size

Bold orange to golden bands over a dark brown to black background, each fish with a unique tiger stripe pattern. Fins often show clean banding that glows under river style lighting. Mature males develop broader heads, longer cheek odontodes, and slightly sharper contrast. Adult size is around 12 to 15 cm total length, roughly 5 to 6 inches, which makes this one of the more manageable Xingu loricariids for home aquariums.

Diet in the Wild

A member of the wood grazing Panaqolus group. In the river it rasps submerged logs for biofilm, detritus, and microorganisms, and mixes in soft plant matter and algae.

Feeding in Captivity

Provide abundant driftwood since it is part of the diet and supports healthy digestion. Offer algae wafers and spirulina based foods, plus blanched vegetables such as zucchini and cucumber. Small feedings of high protein items can be offered occasionally, like quality micro pellets or small frozen foods, but avoid heavy protein as a staple. The right balance of wood fiber and plant based food keeps the digestive system in good shape.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Peaceful toward most midwater fish, territorial with other plecos of similar shape and size. A thirty gallon aquarium suits a single adult, larger setups are better for groups with multiple caves and broken sightlines. Create a riverbank layout with flowing water, rock piles, and driftwood. Dim lighting or shaded zones help them feel secure and display their best color.

Breeding

A cave spawner with male parental care. Documented in both hobbyist and professional setups. Males claim tight caves, often within or beneath driftwood. Condition on a varied diet with plenty of vegetable content and keep water very clean near 82 F, about 28 C. Females deposit adhesive eggs deep in the cave, then the male guards and fans until hatching, usually about a week later depending on temperature. Fry remain in the cave until yolk sacs are absorbed. Start them on biofilm, finely powdered algae wafers, and soft driftwood, then add small plant based pellets as they grow. Gentle current and meticulous water quality are key to strong fry survival.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Panaqolus tankei
• L code: L398, commonly called Tankei Tiger Pleco
• Locality: Rio Xingu, Pará State, Brazil
• Adult size: about 12 to 15 cm total length, roughly 5 to 6 inches
• Temperature: 78 to 84 F (26 to 29 C), high oxygen and flow
• Wild pH: commonly 6.0 to 7.2 in clearwater Xingu sections
• Temperament: peaceful with most fish, territorial with similar plecos
• Diet: wood grazer and detritivore, biofilm and plant matter emphasis
• Breeding type: cave spawner with male egg care

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

The contrast on Tankei Tiger Pleco is a showstopper. When the light hits those golden stripes, they seem to glow. Provide driftwood, flow, and stable conditions, and this species becomes an active yet calm ambassador for the Xingu’s pleco diversity. With moderate adult size and bold pattern, it is a rewarding choice for a carefully maintained river style aquarium.