{"product_id":"clown-pleco-panaqolus-maccus-freshwater","title":"Clown Pleco (Panaqolus maccus)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;color:#1a1a1a;max-width:860px;line-height:1.7;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#E3F2FD;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding:10px 14px;margin:0 0 14px;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn-store pickup only.\u003c\/strong\u003e Your order is reserved, we hold off on bagging until you arrive so it stays healthy in its display tank.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eClown Pleco\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003ePanaqolus maccus\u003c\/em\u003e) is a small, peaceful suckermouth catfish with a dark body crossed by orange to gold bands, and no two carry quite the same pattern. It tops out around 3.5 inches, so it fits comfortably in a 20 or 30 gallon community tank where a common pleco never could. The one thing to know before you buy: this is a wood eater. Clown plecos rasp on driftwood all day and night, and wood is a real part of their diet, not decoration. Browse the rest of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fresh-water\"\u003efreshwater livestock and supplies\u003c\/a\u003e and our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/aquarium-driftwood\"\u003eaquarium driftwood\u003c\/a\u003e to set up the tank around it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#FFF8E1;border-left:4px solid #F9A825;padding:10px 14px;margin:14px 0;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo driftwood, no clown pleco.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePanaqolus\u003c\/em\u003e are xylivores. They scrape and eat soft wood fiber as part of their diet, and a clown pleco kept without real driftwood does noticeably worse over time. Put at least one good piece of wood in the tank before you bring one home.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eIt Is Not an Algae Eater\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClown plecos get sold as cleanup fish, and that sets them up to fail. They graze a little soft algae and biofilm, but they will not clear a tank of algae and they cannot live on it. What they actually eat is wood, plus vegetables and sinking foods you provide. If algae control is the goal, an \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/otocinclus-catfish-otocinclus-vittatus-freshwater-algae-eater\"\u003eOtocinclus\u003c\/a\u003e group or a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/bushynose-pleco-ancistrus-freshwater\"\u003eBushynose Pleco\u003c\/a\u003e does that job far better. Buy a clown pleco because you want a clown pleco.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDriftwood:\u003c\/strong\u003e give it hardwood to chew. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/malaysian-driftwood-freshwater-aquascaping-hardwood\"\u003eMalaysian Driftwood\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/caribsea-scapers-select-driftwood-freshwater-aquarium-hardwood\"\u003eCaribSea Scapers Select\u003c\/a\u003e make a long lasting base, and softer \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/galapagos-cholla-wood-branches-6-inch-3-pack-shrimp-pleco\"\u003eCholla Wood\u003c\/a\u003e is easy for it to rasp. Replace cholla as it gets worn down.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20 gallons for one, 30 gallons or more for a group or alongside other bottom dwellers. Floor space and hiding spots matter more than height.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCaves:\u003c\/strong\u003e provide one cave or tight overhang per pleco, plus a spare. A \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-dark-rock-cave-aquarium-hide-bettas-shrimp-plecos\"\u003eHikari Dark Rock Cave\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/aquavitro-ceramic-hide-b3-aquarium-log-cave\"\u003eAquaVitro Ceramic Hide\u003c\/a\u003e works well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e 73 to 82°F, pH 6.5 to 7.5, soft to moderately hard. Adaptable to most tap water as long as it is clean and stable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlow and oxygen:\u003c\/strong\u003e these come from moving rivers. Good filtration, some current, and well oxygenated water keep them active.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlan for wood dust:\u003c\/strong\u003e eating wood means producing fine, sawdust like waste. Vacuum the substrate at water changes and keep the filter well maintained.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e feed after the lights go down, since they are most active at night. Offer \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/repashy-morning-wood\"\u003eRepashy Morning Wood\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/xtreme-scrapers-sinking-wafers-pleco-food\"\u003eXtreme Scrapers Sinking Wafers\u003c\/a\u003e, or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-algae-wafers\"\u003eHikari Algae Wafers\u003c\/a\u003e, plus blanched zucchini or cucumber a few times a week. A small protein treat once a week is plenty.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 years or more with good care, so plan on a long term resident.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:640px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePanaqolus maccus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eClown Pleco, Clown Panaque, Ringlet Pleco, L104, L162\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eLoricariidae, the suckermouth catfishes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eBeginner, provided it has driftwood\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003ePeaceful, mildly territorial over caves with other plecos\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eAbout 3.5 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum tank\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e20 gallons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e73 to 82°F\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e6.5 to 7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eSoft to moderately hard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eXylivore and herbivore: driftwood, vegetables, sinking wood and algae based foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e10 years or more\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eOrinoco River basin, Venezuela and Colombia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eIn-store pickup at Squeaky's Aquatics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA clown pleco keeps to the wood and the floor and ignores everything swimming above it, which makes it an easy addition to a peaceful community. Good company includes \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/neon-tetra-paracheirodon-innesi-freshwater\"\u003eNeon Tetras\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/ember-tetra-hyphessobrycon-amandae-freshwater\"\u003eEmber Tetras\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/cherry-barb-puntius-titteya-freshwater\"\u003eCherry Barbs\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zebra-danio-danio-rerio-freshwater\"\u003eZebra Danios\u003c\/a\u003e, and bottom dwellers like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/panda-cory-corydoras-panda-freshwater\"\u003ePanda Cory\u003c\/a\u003e. Adult shrimp and snails are generally safe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOther plecos.\u003c\/strong\u003e Clown plecos can share a tank with other small plecos such as the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/l129-false-zebra-pleco-hypancistrus-debilittera-freshwater\"\u003eL-129 False Zebra Pleco\u003c\/a\u003e or a Bushynose, as long as there are more caves than plecos. Males will squabble over the best cave, but with enough hiding spots it rarely goes beyond a little shoving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to avoid.\u003c\/strong\u003e Large or aggressive cichlids that will bully a small, slow fish, and big bottom feeders that outcompete it at feeding time. Avoid tanks with no wood at all, and do not rely on leftovers to feed it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eRecommended Foods \u0026amp; Supplies\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/malaysian-driftwood-freshwater-aquascaping-hardwood\"\u003eMalaysian Driftwood\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/galapagos-cholla-wood-branches-6-inch-3-pack-shrimp-pleco\"\u003eCholla Wood branches\u003c\/a\u003e, the one thing not to skip\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/repashy-morning-wood\"\u003eRepashy Morning Wood\u003c\/a\u003e gel food made for wood eating fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/xtreme-scrapers-sinking-wafers-pleco-food\"\u003eXtreme Scrapers Sinking Wafers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-algae-wafers\"\u003eHikari Algae Wafers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-dark-rock-cave-aquarium-hide-bettas-shrimp-plecos\"\u003eHikari Dark Rock Cave\u003c\/a\u003e for a daytime hideout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big does a clown pleco get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbout 3.5 inches as an adult. It is one of the smallest plecos in the hobby and a very different animal from the common pleco, which can pass 18 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it really need driftwood?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Wood is part of its diet, not just shelter. Without it, clown plecos tend to decline slowly even when they are eating prepared foods. One good piece of hardwood plus some cholla is enough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it clean the algae in my tank?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNot much. It grazes a little soft algae but is not an algae eater. Feed it wood based gel foods, wafers, and vegetables of its own every day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I tell males from females?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMature males grow dense, bristly spines (odontodes) along the back half of the body and on the pectoral fin spines. Females stay smoother and look rounder when viewed from above. Young fish are hard to sex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it safe with shrimp?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAdult shrimp are generally fine. Like most bottom feeders it may eat a baby shrimp it stumbles onto, so a heavily planted tank helps if you are breeding shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Squeaky's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48252201697499,"sku":"FW1-F1275","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/FA-Fish-ClownPleco_L104-M2W124_1200x_jpg.webp?v=1770906216","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/clown-pleco-panaqolus-maccus-freshwater","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}