Clown Pleco

Panaqolus maccus

A small, banded wood-eating pleco — carries the trade codes L104 and L162.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

73–82°F

pH

6.5–7.8

Hardness

4–18 dGH

Max size

3.5 in

Min tank

20 gal

Temperament

Peaceful

Social

Solitary

Swim level

Bottom

Diet

Herbivore

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

10-12 years

Breeding

Cave-spawner

Suitability

Common

Origin

Venezuela (Orinoco basin)

Clown plecos genuinely need driftwood in their diet to rasp on, and stay small enough for modest tanks. They were catalogued under more than one L-number before being described as Panaqolus maccus.