Clown Pleco Care Guide
Panaqolus maccus · Easy care · 20 gallon minimum
A small, driftwood-grazing pleco that actually fits a community tank; must have wood to rasp on.
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How big does a clown pleco get?
A clown pleco (Panaqolus maccus) reaches about 3.5 inches as an adult. Plan tank size and tank mates around the adult size, not the small fish you buy at the store.
Tank size & setup
Give a clown pleco a minimum of 20 gallons, with water at 73–82°F and a pH of 6.5–7.8. As a easy-care, herbivore species, a stable, cycled tank with the right diet keeps them healthiest.
Good tank mates
Pair a clown pleco with peaceful species that share its temperature and pH range. Compatible options include:
- Neon Tetra — 1.5", 10g min
- Guppy — 2.0", 10g min
- Molly — 4.0", 20g min
- Platy — 2.5", 10g min
- Zebra Danio — 2.0", 10g min
About the clown pleco
Panaqolus maccus, commonly called the clown panaque, clown plecostomus, clown pleco, or ringlet pleco, is a dwarf loricariid. By numbering systems such as the L-number system, this fish may also be known as L104, L162, or LDA22.
Recommended gear for clown plecos
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