✨ Blue-Eyed Royal Pleco (Panaque cochliodon, L090c)
Striking Eyes • Wood Eater • Royal Pleco
 
The Blue-Eyed Royal Pleco (Panaque cochliodon, L090c) is a large and highly sought-after pleco, famous for its vivid turquoise-blue eyes set against a dark charcoal to slate-gray body. Unlike many other Panaque species, it has a smooth, subtle body pattern rather than bold striping, giving it a unique, understated elegance.
Reaching up to 30–35 cm (12–14"), this species requires a spacious aquarium with ample driftwood, which forms the core of its diet. As a true wood-eating specialist, it uses specialized spoon-shaped teeth to rasp and digest wood fiber, making driftwood an absolute necessity in its environment.
Generally peaceful but territorial, the Blue-Eyed Royal Pleco gets along well with most community fish but may show aggression toward other large plecos, especially those from the Panaque genus. It thrives in well-oxygenated, flowing water, reflecting the conditions of the Colombian river systems where it originates. With its large size, specialized diet, and long lifespan, this fish is best suited to experienced aquarists.
 
💡 Highlights
👁️ Blue Eyes: Striking turquoise-blue eyes, rare among plecos
🌑 Dark Body: Slate-gray to charcoal with subtle sheen
🪵 Wood-Eating Specialist: Requires constant access to driftwood
📏 Large Size: Reaches 30–35 cm (12–14")
🐟 Peaceful but Territorial: Gets along with fish but defends territory against other plecos