Clown Pleco
Panaqolus maccus
Minimum Tank
20 Gallons
Adult Size
3.5 inches
Temperature
73-82°F (23-28°C)
pH Range
6.5-7.5
Lifespan
10 years
About Clown Pleco
The clown pleco is a small, attractively patterned catfish from the rivers and tributaries of Venezuela and Colombia. Its dark brown to black body is adorned with distinctive wavy lines and bands of bright orange to cream, creating a clown-like pattern that gives it its common name. At 3-4 inches, the clown pleco is one of the smallest commonly available pleco species, making it suitable for moderately sized aquariums. Clown plecos are wood-eaters that require driftwood as a significant part of their diet, spending much of their time rasping at wood surfaces. They are nocturnal and secretive, typically only emerging from their hiding spots after the lights go out.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 20-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 73-82°F (23-28°C)
- • pH: 6.5 - 7.5
- • Category: Catfish
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Herbivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Clown plecos absolutely require driftwood in their tank, as wood fiber is an essential part of their diet. Without driftwood, they will not thrive. Provide multiple pieces of driftwood along with caves and tight spaces for hiding. They are suitable for tanks of 20 gallons or more at 73-82°F. Unlike bristlenose plecos, clown plecos are not prolific algae eaters, so do not purchase one expecting algae control. Supplement their wood-based diet with algae wafers and blanched vegetables. They are nocturnal and secretive, so do not be alarmed if you rarely see them during the day. Feed at night when they are most active. They are peaceful and harmless to all tankmates.
Quick Facts
76L
Min Tank (20gal)
9cm
Adult Size (3.5")
10yr
Lifespan
1+
Can Keep Solo
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Find compatible tankmates for your Clown Pleco
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Tank Mates for Clown Pleco
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
easy · 10+ gal
Pearl Gourami
Trichopodus leerii
easy · 30+ gal
Longfin Zebra Danio
Danio rerio var.
easy · 10+ gal
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
moderate · 10+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Clown Pleco need?
A Clown Pleco needs a minimum tank size of 20 gallons (76 litres).
What water parameters does a Clown Pleco need?
Clown Pleco thrive in water between 73-82°F (23-28°C) with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
Are Clown Pleco easy to care for?
Clown Pleco are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 10 years.
How big do Clown Pleco get and what do they eat?
Clown Pleco reach about 3.5 inches and are herbivores. Clown plecos absolutely require driftwood in their tank, as wood fiber is an essential part of their diet. Without driftwood, they will not thrive. Provide multiple pieces of driftwood along with caves and tight spaces for hiding. They are suitable for tanks of 20 gallons or more at 73-82°F. Unlike bristlenose plecos, clown plecos are not prolific algae eaters, so do not purchase one expecting algae control. Supplement their wood-based diet with algae wafers and blanched vegetables. They are nocturnal and secretive, so do not be alarmed if you rarely see them during the day. Feed at night when they are most active. They are peaceful and harmless to all tankmates.