Panaque suttonorum (suttoni)

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The Blue Eyes Cochliodon, sold under the name Panaque suttonorum (suttoni), is a large Colombian loricariid prized for its pale blue eyes and robust body shape. Associated with the Río Magdalena basin, this fish stays close to the bottom, where it grazes on submerged wood, algae, and plant matter. Its behaviour is usually peaceful, but its adult size and need for a structured layout require a spacious aquarium. This species has an intermediate level of availability in the aquarium trade and is presented here as a wild-collected fish.

General description of the species

Panaque suttonorum (suttoni) is an armored catfish from the family Loricariidae, recognized by its sucker mouth and scraping teeth. It spends much of its time on solid surfaces, especially wood and rocks, rather than swimming in open water. Activity often increases as the aquarium lights go out. Despite its imposing appearance, it is not a predator and is generally calm with fish of comparable size. Efficient filtration, strong oxygenation, and plenty of bottom space are important because an adult may reach about 30 cm. Its availability is rated 2 out of 3, meaning it is uncommon in the trade without being exceptionally rare.

Geographic origin and biotope

This species comes from Colombia, within the Río Magdalena basin, one of the country’s major river systems. It inhabits river sections where the current may be noticeable, with rocks, submerged trunks, and shelters used for cover during the day. The water is generally warm, soft to moderately mineralized, and well oxygenated. In the aquarium, recreate a river environment with genuine water movement, sturdy hiding places, and natural wood. A temperature of 24 to 29 °C and slightly acidic to neutral pH are suitable, with stability being more important than chasing a single ideal number.

Precise locality and local name

Aquarium references associate Panaque suttonorum (suttoni) with the Río Magdalena and its Colombian network, particularly around the Honda area and related waterways. The most widespread trade name is Blue Eyes Cochliodon, often shortened to BEC. In Colombia, loricariids are commonly called “cuchas” in popular usage, although that word may refer to several armored catfish. BEC is therefore especially useful for distinguishing this blue-eyed form from other cochliodons sold under different names or L-numbers.

Appearance and physical characteristics

Panaque suttonorum (suttoni) has a stocky, ventrally flattened body covered with bony plates. Its base colour ranges from greyish brown to olive brown, often appearing darker when the fish is stressed or kept in a sparsely shaded layout. Its most sought-after feature is the light blue to metallic blue iris, which is especially noticeable in adults. The lower sucker mouth carries spatulate teeth used to rasp wood and surfaces covered with biofilm. The fins are strong, the dorsal fin is well developed, and cheek odontodes may become more prominent in mature males. The size and strength of this fish require a firmly secured aquascape.

General diet

Panaque suttonorum (suttoni) is mainly herbivorous with a detritivorous component, and its diet is strongly associated with submerged wood. An aquarium for this species should always contain genuine wood to graze on, preferably several pieces offering both feeding surfaces and shelter. Supplement this with spirulina-based wafers, vegetable tablets, and blanched vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber, or sweet potato. Small amounts of richer foods may be offered occasionally, but they should not replace the plant-based foundation. Feeding after lights-out reduces competition. Insufficient food can lead to weight loss, even when the fish appears to graze constantly in the aquarium.

Essential data

• Name of the original river: Río Magdalena
• Local name used: Blue Eyes Cochliodon; BEC; cucha, a general popular name for several loricariids in Colombia
• Origin of the scientific name: Panaque is a traditional name used for South American armored catfishes; suttonorum is a specific epithet associated with the name Sutton
• Full-name etymology: Panaque identifies the genus; suttonorum is an honorific Latin genitive plural meaning “of the Suttons”
• Common/vernacular names: Blue Eyes Cochliodon; Blue-Eyed Panaque; BEC
• Family: Loricariidae
• Subfamily: Hypostominae
• Name pronunciation: pah-NAH-kay sut-tuh-NOR-um
• Discovery: Leonard Peter Schultz, 1944
• Maximum adult size: About 30 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 29 °C; pH 6.2 to 7.5
• Appearance of the watercourse and surrounding vegetation: Warm, oxygen-rich river with rocks, submerged trunks, driftwood, and tropical riparian vegetation
• Typical tankmates: Geophagus steindachneri, Caquetaia kraussii, Aequidens pulcher
• Temperament and behaviour: Generally peaceful, particularly nocturnal or crepuscular; may defend a shelter or piece of wood
• Water depth: Bottom areas near shelters and solid surfaces
• Sexual dimorphism: Mature males may develop more prominent odontodes on the cheeks and body; young fish can be difficult to sex
• Bottom structure and flow: Rocky or gravelly bottom with abundant wood and shelters; moderate to strong flow and well-oxygenated water

In your aquarium

Success with Panaque suttonorum (suttoni) depends first on tank size, water quality, and a constant supply of wood. An aquarium of at least 450 litres is preferable for an adult, with oversized filtration, well-distributed current, and shelters large enough for the fish to turn around. Secure roots and rocks firmly because this is a powerful fish. Offer a varied plant-based diet after lights-out and monitor body condition. Since this is a wild-collected fish, gradual acclimation and close observation during the first few weeks are essential.