Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) at a glance
Adult size: 14 inches · Min tank/pond: 120 gallons · Difficulty: intermediate · Diet: herbivore · Lifespan: 10-15 years.
Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) (Panaque cochliodon) is a popular freshwater fish in the aquarium and pond hobby. Suitable for keepers with 6-12 months of stable-tank experience.
Where Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) comes from
Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) (Panaque cochliodon) is native to specific tropical and subtropical freshwater systems. Captive-bred specimens at most LFS come from generations of farmed stock and are generally hardier and more colorful than wild-caught equivalents.
Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) tank size and setup
Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) requires a minimum of 120 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 14 inches adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.
Water parameters for Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082)
Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) prefers freshwater parameters: temperature 74-80°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-12 dGH, KH 3-8 dKH, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 20 ppm. Use dechlorinator on every water change.
What Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) eats
Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) is a herbivore. Provide algae sheets, algae-based pellets, and supplemental veggies. Skip a feeding day per week for tank biology. Browse our food guides for product recommendations.
Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) tankmates and compatibility
Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) works in community tanks with peaceful species in similar size class. Avoid mixing aggressive with passive species.
Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) adult size and lifespan
Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) reaches 14 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 10-15 years with proper care.
Can you breed Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082)?
Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) can be bred in dedicated breeding tanks with appropriate setup and water-chemistry triggers. Research the species-specific breeding requirements before attempting.
Common Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) diseases and problems
Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) for 4 weeks before adding to display.
Where to buy Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) online
Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live Blue-Eyed Pleco (L-082) from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims.
Related freshwater species you might also keep
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
Blue-Eyed Pleco taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.