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Contents
Overview
The clown pleco (Panaqolus maccus), sold as L104 or L162, is a small pleco of about 3-4 in (8-10 cm) with bold dark and orange or cream bands that vary a lot between individuals. It comes from rivers in Venezuela and Colombia in the Orinoco basin, where it lives among sunken logs and branches.
Think of it as a "mini panaque": like the royal pleco it rasps wood, but without the size problem. That makes it one of the best choices if you want something other than a bristlenose for a mid-sized community tank. It is hardy, peaceful and easy to keep, though shy and nocturnal, so you will not see much of it during the day unless the tank has shaded areas.
Care and tank setup
One fish or a pair does well in about 20 gallons (80 L). The essential item is driftwood: clown plecos rasp it constantly as part of their diet and will produce a fair amount of fine sawdust.
- Efficient filtration, some flow and well-oxygenated water.
- Caves or hollows in the wood, at least one per fish.
- Fine sand and shaded spots under floating plants or epiphytes.
They are very peaceful and fit well with tetras, rasboras, corydoras, shrimp and dwarf cichlids. Males may squabble over caves but rarely do real damage if there are enough hideouts. Because they are not competitive feeders, avoid greedy bottom dwellers. Plants are safe apart from the odd very soft leaf.
Feeding
Clown plecos are herbivores with a big wood component. Besides driftwood, offer sinking veggie wafers and blanched zucchini, cucumber or peas several times a week. They accept some protein food in small amounts. Feed after lights-out so the food actually reaches them, and remove leftovers the next morning.
Breeding
They breed in aquariums fairly often. Males, which have more bristly odontodes on the rear half of the body, claim a tight cave where the female lays her eggs, and the male guards them until the fry are independent. A varied diet, clean water and slightly cooler water changes can help trigger spawning.
Compatible tank mates
Species from our database that share water parameters, size and temperament with the Clown pleco (L104). Calculated from the data in each profile.
Cherry barb Puntius titteya 16 gal (60 L) · 73–81 °F (23–27 °C) 
Tiger barb Puntigrus tetrazona 26 gal (100 L) · 72–79 °F (22–26 °C) 
Betta fish Betta splendens 7 gal (25 L) · 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) 
Guppy Poecilia reticulata 14 gal (54 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Platy Xiphophorus maculatus 16 gal (60 L) · 68–79 °F (20–26 °C) 
Harlequin rasbora Trigonostigma heteromorpha 16 gal (60 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Ember tetra Hyphessobrycon amandae 11 gal (40 L) · 73–82 °F (23–28 °C) 
Neon tetra Paracheirodon innesi 16 gal (60 L) · 68–79 °F (20–26 °C) 
Swordtail Xiphophorus hellerii 32 gal (120 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Nerite snail Neritina natalensis 5 gal (20 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Horned nerite snail Clithon corona 5 gal (20 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Bronze cory Corydoras aeneus 21 gal (80 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) Check the compatibility of your whole tank →
What not to keep it with
Popular species you shouldn’t house with the Clown pleco (L104), and why.
- Oscar: one may eat the other due to size, incompatible temperaments
Recommended equipment
What you need to keep the Clown pleco (L104) healthy, checked against Amazon stock.
Frequently asked questions
How many liters does a Clown pleco (L104) need?
At least about 80 liters. More space always helps keep the water stable.
What water temperature does the Clown pleco (L104) need?
Between 24 and 28 °C, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
What fish can live with the Clown pleco (L104)?
Based on water, size and temperament, it fits with species such as Cherry barb, Tiger barb, Betta fish, Guppy and Platy. Use our compatibility calculator to check your whole tank.
Can the Clown pleco (L104) be kept with shrimp?
Yes: it usually won’t eat adult shrimp, though some shrimplets may get picked off. A tank with plenty of moss gives the babies cover.
