Royal Pleco

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The Royal Pleco is a large freshwater armored catfish characterized by a heavy, armored body, often light grey to green with dark grey, squiggly patterns, and red eyes. Native to fast-flowing South American rivers, they are known for being wood-eaters, using specialized teeth and symbiotic gut bacteria to digest wood. They require a large aquarium, well-oxygenated water, and a diet rich in driftwood and vegetables, with a peaceful but territorial nature towards other bottom-dwellers. 

Physical Characteristics

• BodyCovered in heavy armor plates (not scales) with a bulky, football-like shape, except for a soft belly.
• ColorTypically a light grey or cement color with dark grey, irregular, or squiggly stripes. 
• EyesDistinctive red eyes.
• FinsDorsal fins are often edged with cream or gold.
• SizeCan grow to over 16 inches (40 cm), with some species reaching up to 20 inches. 

Diet & Habitat

• Wood-Eaters:Unlike common algae-eating plecos, Royal Plecos have specialized teeth and symbiotic gut bacteria that allow them to digest wood. 
• Dietary Needs:Requires driftwood in the aquarium for both grazing and shelter. They also consume algae, biofilm, and vegetables like cucumbers and spinach. 
• Habitat:Native to fast-flowing, oxygen-rich waters of South American rivers, such as the Rio Orinoco and Amazon basins.

Temperament & Tank Requirements

• Temperament:Generally peaceful towards other fish but can be territorial and aggressive towards other bottom-dwelling catfish species, requiring a large aquarium for multiple specimens. 
• Tank Setup:Needs a large aquarium with robust filtration to handle their size and messy eating habits. 
• Water:Requires warm, well-oxygenated water with a moderate to strong current to mimic their natural habitat. 

Variations

• Species & L-Numbers:Several variants exist, such as the L190 (standard Royal Pleco), the L191 (Broken Striped Royal), the L330 (Watermelon Royal), and the L027 (Platinum Royal), each with unique patterns.

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