Flash Plecostomus (Panaqolus albivermis)

Flash Plecos are very popular in the aquarium hobby due to their availability, attractiveness, peaceful demeanour and hardiness. However, males can be somewhat quarrelsome over food and territories. Therefore, these Plecos are more ideally suited to the more active community tank, with shoaling species being ideal.

These Plecos will co-exist fine with fish that prefer higher temperatures; Tetras, small Cichlids, Hatchet Fish, Pencilfish, Rainbowfish and Corydoras Catfish all make perfect inhabitants. However, avoid choosing tankmates that may nip at these plecos ornate tail fin extensions.

Flash Plecos are ideally suited to an average-sized aquarium, providing that a few essential requirements are met. The aquarium should be biologically mature with a substrate of sand or small smooth gravel, and it will also need to contain plenty of driftwood or bogwood, as this forms a necessary part of their diet. Flash Plecos will require plenty of private retreats created from the bogwood and smooth rocks so that they will feel comfortable during the day.

These Plecos do not enjoy overly bright light, so it would be best to make sure they have plenty of shaded areas formed by driftwood and caves as well as some floating plants, as this will help diffuse the light. You can include robust plants such as Java Fern and Anubias; however, it would be best to avoid soft-leaved or delicate plants, as these will be eaten or uprooted.

Using a powerful filtration system that can handle the amount of wood waste and a good current will enable you to maintain excellent water conditions. A high oxygenation level will benefit the fish and may even entice them into breeding.

Flash Plecos have a dark brown to black base colouration with thin white to yellow vertical lines starting from the upper body and reaching the lower body. As the fish develops, these lines can become broken so much so that they can become spots. Their fins also have thin white to yellow bands. Although juveniles have white stripes, these lines turn yellow as the fish matures.

Flash Plecostomus (Panaqolus albivermis) Video

Flash Pleco L204 (Panaqolus albivermis) Freshwater Aquarium Fish Profile & Care Guide

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Natural Habitat

Feeding

In the home aquarium, the Flash Plecostomus will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.

Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.

It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.

This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.

Tank Mates

2 interesting tank mate ideas for the Flash Plecostomus could include: