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Freshwater Fish

Clown Pleco (L-104)

Panaqolus maccus

Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Clown Pleco (L-104) - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.

Clown Pleco (L-104) at a glance
Adult size: 3.5 inches · Min tank/pond: 20 gallons · Difficulty: beginner · Diet: wood/herbivore · Lifespan: 10-12 years.

Clown Pleco (L-104) (Panaqolus maccus) is a popular freshwater fish in the aquarium and pond hobby. Hardy and forgiving when given proper water chemistry.

Where Clown Pleco (L-104) comes from

Clown Pleco (L-104) (Panaqolus maccus) is native to specific tropical and subtropical freshwater systems. Captive-bred specimens at most LFS come from generations of farmed stock and are generally hardier and more colorful than wild-caught equivalents.

Clown Pleco (L-104) tank size and setup

Clown Pleco (L-104) requires a minimum of 20 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 3.5 inches adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.

Water parameters for Clown Pleco (L-104)

Clown Pleco (L-104) prefers freshwater parameters: temperature 74-80°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-12 dGH, KH 3-8 dKH, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 20 ppm. Use dechlorinator on every water change.

What Clown Pleco (L-104) eats

Clown Pleco (L-104) is a wood/herbivore. Provide algae sheets, algae-based pellets, and supplemental veggies. Skip a feeding day per week for tank biology. Browse our food guides for product recommendations.

Clown Pleco (L-104) tankmates and compatibility

Clown Pleco (L-104) works in community tanks with peaceful species in similar size class. Avoid mixing aggressive with passive species.

Clown Pleco (L-104) adult size and lifespan

Clown Pleco (L-104) reaches 3.5 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 10-12 years with proper care.

Can you breed Clown Pleco (L-104)?

Clown Pleco (L-104) can be bred in dedicated breeding tanks with appropriate setup and water-chemistry triggers. Research the species-specific breeding requirements before attempting.

Common Clown Pleco (L-104) diseases and problems

Clown Pleco (L-104) is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Clown Pleco (L-104) for 4 weeks before adding to display.

Where to buy Clown Pleco (L-104) online

Clown Pleco (L-104) is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live Clown Pleco (L-104) from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and a 2-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims.

Frequently asked questions about the Clown Pleco

What size tank does the Clown Pleco need?

Clown Pleco (L-104) requires a minimum of 20 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 3.5 inches adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.

Is the Clown Pleco hard to keep?

The Clown Pleco needs a tank of at least 20 gallons. Adults reach about 3.5 inches and live 10-12 years. Best paired with peaceful tankmates of similar size and water-chemistry needs.

How big does the Clown Pleco get and how long does it live?

Clown Pleco (L-104) reaches 3.5 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 10-12 years with proper care. The minimum is based on 3.5 inches adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.

How do you keep the Clown Pleco healthy?

Clown Pleco (L-104) is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Clown Pleco (L-104) for 4 weeks before adding to display. Clown Pleco (L-104) prefers freshwater parameters: temperature 74-80°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-12 dGH, KH 3-8 dKH, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 20 ppm. Use dechlorinator on every water change.

Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.

GloFish Sunburst Orange TetraShubunkin GoldfishBlue-Eyed PlecoArapaimaApistogramma PanduroCommon Shiner

Sources and references

Clown Pleco taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.

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More resources for Clown Pleco keepers

Common diseases
Helpful calculators
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Browse the full disease database, calculator collection, aquarium glossary, or Q&A library for additional reference.

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