LDA031 Mustard Spot Pleco (Panaqolus albomaculatus)

LDA031 Mustard Spot Pleco (Panaqolus albomaculatus), also known as the Orange Spot Pleco, is a small, wood-eating Loricariid native to the upper Amazon basin. It's a peaceful and attractive species ideal for medium-sized aquariums.

Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Panaqolus albomaculatus (syn. Panaque albomaculatus)
• Common Names: Mustard Spot Pleco, Orange Spot Pleco, LDA031
• Size: Up to 12.4 cm (4.9") standard length ; some sources report up to 15 cm (5.9") 
• Origin: Ecuador, Peru, and southern Colombia — tributaries of the Río Suno, Napo, Marañón, and Ucayali rivers 

Habitat & Tank Setup

• Tank Size: Minimum 40 gallons for adults 
• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
• Decor:
  • Bogwood is essential — they rasp on it for nutrition and shelter 
  • Smooth rocks and caves for hiding
  • Floating plants or shaded areas to diffuse light
• Lighting: Dim to moderate
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 25–29°C (77–84°F)
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (up to 15 dGH) 
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <30 ppm 

• Feeding Type: Specialized wood-eater (xylophagous)
• Diet:
  • Bogwood (essential)
  • Algae wafers, sinking pellets, gel foods
  • Blanched vegetables: zucchini, cucumber, sweet potato
  • Occasional protein: mosquito larvae (avoid excess) 

Behavior & Compatibility

• Temperament: Peaceful with most tankmates
• Social Behavior: May be territorial with other plecos; provide visual barriers and space (30×30 cm per fish) 
• Tankmates: Ideal with small, peaceful fish like tetras, Corydoras, pencilfish, and rainbowfish 

Breeding

• Status: Not commonly bred in aquariums
• Challenges: Requires mature pairs, soft water, increased flow, and tight caves
• Sexing: Males develop long interopercular spines and fine denticles giving a furry appearance 

Appearance

• Coloration: Dark base with off-white to mustard-colored spots
• Tail: Lyretail typical of Panaqolus genus 
• Variations: Spot size and density may vary by collection location