Clown Pleco - Panaque maccus L104
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Details
Clown Plecos (Panaque maccus, L104) are dark brown with yellow irregular vertical striping, which serves as camouflage when grazing on wood. They have hard, armor-like scales. Growing no larger than 4 inches in size, they don't become nearly as large as some other types of plecos. Their small size makes them an excellent addition to small community aquariums as well as larger set ups. Clown plecos are peaceful and can be kept safely with most community species. As with other Panaque plecos, this pleco will graze on and eat wood as part of its diet and driftwood should be provided as part of the aquarium decor
The fish commonly known as "plecos" come from the family Loricariidae, also known as the “armored catfish”. They include fish from the genera Ancistrus, Baryancistrus, Chaetostoma, Hypostomus, Leporacanthicus, Panaque, Peckoltia, Pseudancistrus and many others. They are known to many as "suckerfish" due to the shape of their body and mouth and are often sold as algae-eaters even though many of them eat little algae. In addition to the two-part scientific names used for all living things, plecos also have their own naming system that identifies them by "L-number" or "LDA-number". Though this is not an "official" naming method, it is popular among hobbyists and collectors.
Plecos are generally flattened with a large, round head and skinnier body. The body is covered by hard plates and many have strong spines in their fins and even along the body. The mouths are on the underside of the fish and are used to rasp food from hard surfaces and to help the pleco maintain its position in the water flow.
Plecos are commonly purchased by new and experienced aquarists alike as algae-eaters; most plecos do not eat algae or need other foods in their diet as well. The genera Ancistrus, Peckoltia and Otocinclus are a few common, smaller plecos that will help control algae without eating live plants. Many others are omnivores (eat both plant matter and meaty foods), carnivores (primarily eat meaty foods) or scavengers (eat whatever they can find). Some plecos, notably those from the Panaque genus, even eat wood as part of their diet and driftwood should be provided as part of the aquarium decor.
Many plecos also get very large and their size as well as their waste production make them unsuitable for small aquariums. The very common Trinidad Pleco/Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) grows close to two feet in length. As with any other tank residents, choose plecos carefully with respect to their size, behavior and diet.
Specifications
Specifications | |
MPN | F90 0022 1127 |
Manufacturer | That Fish Place |
Common Name | Clown Pleco |
Scientific Name | Panaque maccus L104 |
Origin | South America |
Max Size (in inches) | 4 |
Community Safe | Yes |
pH Range | 6.8-7.6 |
Diet | Omnivore (equal plants and meat), wood |
Min Tank Size (in gallons) | 20 |
Temperature Range | 75-82 |
Difficulty | Easy |
Internal Id | 20157 |
State Restrictions |
Alaska |
Armed Forces Americas |
Armed Forces Europe |
Armed Forces Pacific |
California |
Hawaii |
Puerto Rico |
Instructions
Ratings & Reviews
2 reviews
Clown Pleco
by Bob
This fish's arrival size is 1 to 2 inches in length.
Best cheap small pleco
by Christian
Perfect pleco for a ten gallon tank. Had him for a year he's still in fantastic shape, highly recommended if you want a pleco and don't have a big tank.