Do you know that Clown Pleco or Panaqolus maccus is a great algae eater and keeps the algae down in the substrate? This fish frequently lives on driftwood rather than below the water surface.
The Plecos are beautiful freshwater fish that can be found all over the world. If someone is aware of fish needs, he can easily house Clowns in the aquarium.
Overview
| Scientific Name | Panaqolus maccus |
| Size | 3.5-4 inches |
| Lifespan | 10-12 Years |
| Diet | Omnivore / Woods and Plants |
| Origin | Venezuela and Columbia |
| Nature | Friendly, Peaceful |
| Behavior | Semi-Aggressive |
| Care | Easy / Low maintenance |
| Tank Size | 20 Gallons Minimum |
| Temperature | 73-82 °F |
| Water pH | 6.6.-7.8 |
| Water Hardness | 10 dGH |
Appearance
They are very beautiful colored fish that have a series of distinct design patterns on their body.
This fish is primarily black in color and has beautiful bands of bright colors such as yellow or white stretching around their body.
This color combination depends on their origin and diet. Some fish may have straight bands and others may have wavy pattern designs. Their beautiful color combination makes them unique and easily spottable in the aquarium.
They have large pectoral fins on either side of their body and one upright dorsal fin on the back which helps them to move quickly in the water.
Care
The Clown Plecos are very easy to care for and require very low maintenance. If you provide the right water conditions and a suitable environment close to their natural habitat, you can easily house them in the aquarium.
Tank Size
They are tiny fish that require a minimum tank size for living. A tank of 20 gallons of water is considered ideal for them.
If you want to house multiple Plecos in the aquarium, You should increase the size by 10 gallons with each fish addition in the tank.
Always keep in mind the diet of Clown while arranging a tank. They eat wood in the aquarium. It is not easier for them to digest the whole wood at a time. So, a lot of wood is wasted in the aquarium.
If more wood particles are wasted in the aquarium, it causes water quality issues in the tank. This is why a 20-gallon tank size is required for their healthful living in a captive environment.
Water Parameters
They are not very hard to care for. But, You should always maintain suitable water conditions in the aquarium. Here is a list of water parameters required for making your aquarium a natural habitat for them.
- Keep water temperature between 73-82 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Maintain water pH in the range of 6.8-7.6
- Keep water hardness level 10 dGH.
Food and Diet
They are considered great algae eaters. They also eat the outer layers of driftwood in the water. You will need to arrange small pieces of driftwood in the aquarium.
Facilitate them with plants and other plants and wood materials in the substrate layer of the aquarium where algae can grow. Plant-based vegetables such as lettuce, zucchini, cucumbers, and peas are also good options as they are omnivores.
To provide them with protein and nutrients, also feed them meat like bloodworms and small insects. You can plan this food twice a week to balance the diet and prevent overfeeding.
As these fish eat algae, make sure that you choose hard plants. If they munch too much algae from soft plants, they may put them out from the surface. So, they may cause damage to themselves.
Best Tankmates
Generally, these fish can be housed with any small or medium-sized fish. It is also a reason behind their being amongst the best choice for aquarists.
Here is a list of preferable tank mates
- Cardinal tetras
- Cory catfish
- Minnows
- Dwarf gourami
- German blue rams.
- Ember tetra
Alert: Do not house aggressive fish like Bettas and Tiger Barbs with Panaqolus maccus in the aquarium.
Breeding
They are not generally easy to breed in a captive environment. But. certain conditions increase the success of these Plecos breeding in the aquarium.
- First, Feed them a protein-rich diet frequently.
- Arrange a lot of hiding places in the aquarium. This fish is very shy. So, make a tiny wooden home in the aquarium.
- Keep the aquarium temperature and water pH high.
- Mimic the rainy season by filling the tank with soft and cooler water. Because Clown Plecos breed mostly in the rainy season.
Once they breed and lay eggs in the hidden cave, the male Clown Plecos will stay with the eggs and protect them. After almost one month, these eggs will be hatched. Now, You can separate the newborns from their parents and feed them food like driftwood, algae, and other plant-based vegetables.
Are clown plecos territorial?
The Clown Plecos are territorial fish but in a peaceful manner. They only want to defend their own territory against other members of the Plecos family.
Generally, the Clown Plecos are very peaceful fish and they can be housed with other small and medium-sized fish requiring the same water conditions.
Can clown plecos live with bettas?
The Bettas usually require a lot of tank size and they have a very agile and aggressive nature. But, on the other hand, The Clown Plecos are very peaceful fish which make best mates with other small-sized peaceful fish.
Common Clown Plecos Diseases:
There are not any genetic or plague diseases in the Clown Plecos family. Only poor water quality and improper water parameters cause common fish diseases like ich and minor infections.
If you provide the Clown Plecos with good water conditions, provide them with a necessary diet, and maintain proper water temperature and pH, these diseases can be avoidable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Clown Plecos are peaceful and easy to care for and are amongst the best choice for aquarists. Now, You are well aware of care guidance, diet, and tank requirements for the Clown Plecos. If you have any questions, let me know in the comment section.
You can also read our guide on Balloon Molly.