He also imported a small species of sailfin pleco, likely Pterygoplichthys weberi, which unlike its larger red spot and gold spot cousins, only grows to about 25 cm. For fans of large plecos, a few ‘Papa Panaques’ were also imported. These were listed as L090 but proved to be titanic plecos, L203, which have since been given the scientific name Panaque schaeferi. As their name suggests titanic plecos are one of the pleco giants and can grow to 60 cm. I haven’t seen one
Above: Juvenile Pterygoplichthys weberi Photo: Phill Collis Below: Titanic Pleco - Panaque schaeferi L203 Photo: Mattwa
for a few years but if they are still around they will be getting pretty impressive. With the exception of flash plecos which are still imported occasionally, these plecos are now very rare in New Zealand.