Papa Lyretail Plecostomus

Panaque bathyphilus

Papa Lyretail Plecostomus is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish.

PeacefulBottom dwellerIntermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 40 cm (≤ 15.7 in)
Aquarium size: 681 L or larger / ≥ 200 cm (≥ 78.7 in) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 24–29 °C
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 5–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 681 L or larger / ≥ 200 cm (≥ 78.7 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–29 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Papa Lyretail Plecostomus is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Papa Lyretail Plecostomus should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Peru, Brazil.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 681 L or larger / ≥ 200 cm (≥ 78.7 in) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Eyed Plecostomus Panaque cochliodon Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 30 cm (≤ 11.8 in) 22–28 °C African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in) 22–26 °C Adolfos Catfish Corydoras adolfoi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 6 cm (≤ 2.4 in) 22–26 °C African Freshwater Pipefish Enneacampus ansorgii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 23–27 °C African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 22–27 °C Agassizs Corydoras Corydoras agassizii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 21–26 °C

FAQ

How large does Papa Lyretail Plecostomus get?

Papa Lyretail Plecostomus reaches ≤ 40 cm (≤ 15.7 in). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Papa Lyretail Plecostomus need?

Use an aquarium of at least 681 L or larger / ≥ 200 cm (≥ 78.7 in) minimum length.

Is Papa Lyretail Plecostomus peaceful?

Yes. Papa Lyretail Plecostomus is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Papa Lyretail Plecostomus?

Keep it between 24 to 29 °C.