Clown pleco
Panaqolus maccus · Loricariidae
Also known as L104, Clown panaque
Beginner
A small wood-eating pleco that stays under 10 cm — a genuinely tank-sized option.
In short: A clown pleco needs at least 90 L (24 US gal), water at 23–29 °C (73–84 °F) and pH 6–7.8. It is peaceful, usually kept singly, and rated beginner to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 90 L (24 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–29 °C (73–84 °F)
- pH
- 6–7.8
- Adult size
- 9 cm (3.5 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 90 L (24 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–29 °C (73–84 °F)
- pH
- 6–7.8
- Hardness
- 2–18 dGH
- Lifespan
- 10–12 years
- Diet
- Herbivore/wood-rasper — driftwood, courgette, algae wafers.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Rio Apure and Caroni basins, Venezuela
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Wood-filled river margins
- Natural conditions
- Must have driftwood to rasp; caves for hiding.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- Bottom
- Good tank mates
- TetrasCorydorasAngelfish
- Avoid
- Bare tanks without woodOther cave-holding plecos
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Males have bristly odontodes on the pectoral fins.
- Notes
- Spawns in narrow caves; male guards.
- Common ailments
- Malnutrition without woodBloat from protein overload
Will it fit your tank?
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