They are weak swimmers but like other armoured catfish possess a strong sucker-like mouth with which they can hold on to submerged rocks and wood.

Most fish are unable to regulate the amount of light that enters the eye since they have irises that cannot change size.

Both male and female Panaque develop bristles, known as odontodes, on the side of head immediately before and onto the pectoral fins.

These barbels can be seen in the photograph of mouth of a Panaque shown here; they are the short pointed structures on either side of a suckermouth.

Royal plecos have a greyish-green base color against which thick, dark bluish-black stripes are set; their fins are edged with gold or cream, and their eyes are red.

Panaque mainly demand a mixed diet including green algae, fresh vegetables such as carrots, courgettes, and spinach, but because they are argued to be xylophagous, many aquarists provide driftwood for them to graze upon, as well.

Because they are relatively big for aquarium fish and produce an unusually large amount of waste, a high-capacity tank and filter are essential.

[citation needed] In terms of behavior, Panaque are peaceful and nocturnal bottom-dwellers which make good residents in community tanks.