The Brokenline Royal Pleco, designated as L191 in the aquarium hobby, is a striking and somewhat elusive member of the Panaque genus, which is known for its wood-eating habits. Native to the fast-flowing, oxygen-rich waters of South America, particularly the Amazon River basin, this species is admired for its unique appearance and ecological role within its habitat. The L191 is characterized by its dark body adorned with irregular light stripes or broken lines, giving it a distinctive and royal appearance, hence the name "Brokenline Royal Pleco."

Panaque sp. L191 is a larger species within the pleco family, capable of reaching a significant size in captivity. This growth necessitates a spacious aquarium to accommodate its size and provide ample swimming room. The Brokenline Royal Pleco is well-suited for community tanks with other large, peaceful species, but aquarists should be mindful of its need for space and the potential for territorial behavior.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Brokenline Royal Pleco is its diet, which primarily consists of wood. These fish possess specialized teeth that allow them to rasp at wood, digesting the cellulose and deriving nutrition from it. Therefore, it's crucial to include plenty of driftwood in their tank setup, not only for dietary purposes but also to provide hiding spots and maintain water quality. In addition to wood, their diet should be supplemented with high-quality sinking pellets, vegetables such as zucchini and cucumber, and occasional protein sources to ensure a balanced diet.

Breeding Panaque sp. L191 in captivity is a challenging endeavor, with few documented successes. These fish require specific water conditions and a carefully managed environment to stimulate breeding behavior. In the wild, they are cave spawners, choosing secluded spots to lay their eggs. Replicating these conditions in the home aquarium, along with maintaining excellent water quality and providing a diet rich in nutrients, may encourage breeding.

Caring for the Brokenline Royal Pleco involves maintaining high water quality with regular water changes and efficient filtration to handle the waste produced by these large fish. Attention should be paid to water parameters, ensuring they align with the species' natural riverine habitat, with a focus on temperature, pH, and oxygen levels. Given their wood-eating habits, aquarists should also be prepared to replace or add new pieces of driftwood as needed.

In summary, the Brokenline Royal Pleco L191 offers aquarists the opportunity to keep a unique and visually stunning species that brings both beauty and natural behavior to the aquarium. While their care requires attention to diet, tank size, and environmental conditions, the rewards of keeping such an intriguing species are significant, making them a prized addition for dedicated hobbyists willing to meet their needs.