L104 Clown Pleco Panaqolus Maccus 4cm

Overview

The L104 Clown Pleco is a dwarf armoured catfish with bold wavy bands of orange or cream on a dark brown body. It comes from the Apure and Caroni river systems of Venezuela, where it lives among sunken wood. Small, peaceful and hardy, it suits beginners and planted community tanks with driftwood.

• Adult Size: Around 9 cm (3.5 in); males slightly larger
• Lifespan: 10–12 years, often longer

Origin

• Native to: Apure and Caroni river basins, Venezuela
• Habitat: Flowing rivers among submerged wood, roots and leaf litter

Feeding

• Diet: Herbivorous wood-rasping grazer, takes some protein
• Preferred Foods: Driftwood, algae wafers, courgette, cucumber, spirulina pellets, occasional bloodworm
• Feeding Habits: Feed nightly after lights out; soft driftwood must always be present to graze

Tank Mates

• Best with: Small peaceful fish: tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids, livebearers, pencilfish
• Avoid: Large aggressive cichlids, boisterous barbs, and other plecos if caves are scarce

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful, shy and largely nocturnal
• Territoriality: Males defend a favourite cave from other clown plecos

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Challenges: Reclusive by day; needs plenty of wood and clean, well-oxygenated water

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft and slightly acidic
• Temperature: 23–28°C (73–82°F)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: 2–12 dGH
• Flow: Moderate, well oxygenated
• Tank Size: Minimum 60 litres for one; add a cave and more wood for each extra fish

Final Notes

This is a true wood eater, so soft driftwood is not decor but food: without it the fish slowly starves, and its sawdust-like waste needs good filtration. It hides by day and grazes at night, so expect to see little of it under bright light. Males grow bristles on the pectoral fins and cheeks; pairs breed in narrow caves. A long-lived, undemanding little pleco that stays small.