All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.
When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.
ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra
Royal Panaque (Panaque nigrolineatus)
Description:
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Appearance:
- Size: Typically grows to about 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) in length.
- Color: Dark body with distinctive vertical white or cream stripes or spots, which give it a royal and striking appearance.
- Body Shape: Robust and elongated with a flattened head and wide, muscular body. The fins are broad and also display the characteristic striping.
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Behavior:
- Activity Level: Generally nocturnal; most active during the evening and night.
- Social Behavior: Peaceful and non-aggressive, but can be territorial, especially around hiding spots or during feeding.
Care Requirements:
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Tank Size:
- Minimum: 75 gallons (284 liters). Larger tanks are preferable due to their size and territorial nature.
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Tank Setup:
- Substrate: Soft, sandy substrate is recommended to avoid damaging their delicate undersides.
- Decorations: Provide plenty of hiding spots using driftwood, rocks, and caves. The fish enjoy having places to hide and feel secure.
- Plants: Hardy plants can be included, but make sure they are securely anchored. The fish may occasionally disturb them.
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Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C). Keep the temperature stable within this range.
- pH: 6.0-7.5. Slightly acidic to neutral water is ideal.
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
- Filtration: Strong filtration is necessary to maintain water quality, but avoid strong currents. Use a sponge filter if necessary to ensure gentle water movement.
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Diet:
- Primary Food: Primarily herbivorous. Feed a diet rich in vegetable matter like algae wafers, spirulina pellets, and blanched vegetables (e.g., zucchini, cucumber).
- Supplemental Food: Offer occasional protein-rich foods such as bloodworms or brine shrimp, particularly for juveniles or during periods of rapid growth.
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Behavioral Considerations:
- Compatibility: Peaceful with other non-aggressive fish. Suitable tank mates include other peaceful community fish like tetras, rasboras, and smaller cichlids.
- Tank Mates: Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species. They can be territorial, so provide ample hiding places and avoid overcrowding.
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Tank Maintenance:
- Water Changes: Regular water changes of 25-30% weekly to ensure high water quality and reduce waste.
- Cleaning: Keep the tank clean and monitor the filter to ensure it is working effectively.
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Health Care:
- Observation: Regularly check for signs of illness or stress such as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or skin abnormalities.
- Treatment: Maintain good water quality to prevent diseases. Consult an aquarium specialist if any health issues arise.
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Additional Notes:
- Lifespan: Typically 10-15 years with proper care.
- Breeding: Breeding in captivity is rare and requires specific conditions. Provide a suitable environment with hiding spots and maintain optimal water conditions if breeding is attempted.