Clown Plecostomus: 30 gallons: Zebra Plecostomus: 30 gallons: Sailfin Plecostomus: 125 gallons: Royal Plecostomus: 125 gallons: Snowball Plecostomus: 30 gallons: Regarding housing and setting your tank up to home a pleco, all pleco species require a similar environment. I had one for 11 years in a 55 gallon that was not more then one inch at the end of his tiny life. Clowns plecos are usually sold as 2-inch juveniles and range from 3 to 4 inches in length at maturity, although at least one variety (L448) regularly tops 4-inches from snout to tail. Where the species comes from: South America. To prepare your Clown community for spawning: You can set-up a breeding tank for your catfish, or you can let them spawn inside your community tank and move the egg-laden cave to a safer set-up prior to hatching. by TheMedusasCascade. You can facilitate algae grown by including driftwood, rocks, and plants in their habitat. Lastly, there should be some meat in their diet to help provide them with enough protein. Pleco Water and Temperature Parameters Commons prefer warm water from 72 to 86°F, so you may not need a heater in your aquarium or outdoor pond. The biggest mistake I’ve seen folks make with Clown catfish is not providing them with enough edible driftwood decor to snack on. The tail fin has a quixotic crescent shape to it and is bigger at the bottom than the top. A common tactic is to place a simple wooden cave in the tank since they will usually make use of these. Even though clown plecos are hardy fish, you should always work hard to maintain the recommended water parameters. In the numbering systems meant to identify the many species of similar catfish out there this species is known as L104, L162 or LDA022. Clown Pleco tankmates Because clown Plecos are bottom residents, they tend to do well in basic serene neighborhoods, as they remain in locations of the tank that their tankmates do not regular. Pleco collectors, breeders and sellers utilize a special code called an “L-Number” to identify varieties of catfish apart from their generic species or common names. The two most common choices are bloodworm and daphnia. Maximum Body Size: 3.1 inches (7.9 cm) Minimum Tank Size: The fish is not very active, so a 10-gallon tank is appropriate: Suggested Water Temperature: ... Another important water parameter for this pleco species is temperature. The mega clown is unrelated to the clown pleco, though it resembles the latter closely in size and appearance. It … Slowly increase your water temperature to 85°F over a two week period while feeding a protein-rich diet. Their long lifespan means you’ll have them for quite a while too! Size: 4 inches (10cm) Common Name: Clown Pleco, Clown panaque, and Ringlet Pleco. I suppose that could do it. Within a few days, you should observe your male jealousy standing guard over the eggs attached to the inside of his cave! Just tested and my ammonia is at 0.5. … Recommended temperature: 23 - 25 °C (73.4 - 77°F) The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning. This creates a problem for aquatic shops and hobbyists, though: How can we distinguish between multiple species when they share the same scientific and common name? There’s a plethora of small algae-eating fish suitable for nano set-ups, but you’re a lot more limited when it comes to keeping plecostomus in a small aquarium. 3. The clown pleco, or Panaque maccus, is a pleco that many people say is useless because it only eats on driftwood, by many people say that it is a great algae eater, which it is. You want to make these the occasional snack (2-3 times per week), not a daily food. These fish love to hide in, explore and even snack on driftwood. Around the start of their dorsal fin you’ll see that they begin to slim out quite a bit all the way to the caudal peduncle. To set up a planted community tank with a single Clown pleco and a small school of community fish, you’ll need: Does the Clown Pleco sound like a fun option for your next planted tank? Much below this, and they may start to develop health issues, become lethargic, may float up to the surface, and could die if low temperatures persist. Adult males can be territorial towards other males. Checking parameters now. Many aquarists go with bare-bottomed set-ups for breeding, but using aquatic soil, sand or fine gravel is ideal for community tanks, especially if you’re growing live plants too. Articles - CotM 2001 November - Shane's World Reproduction Spawning Panaque maccus: Species Information ... unplug the heater, and begin making 20 percent daily water changes with cool rain or reverse osmosis water. The fish are fed high-protein diets for several weeks, while the temperature of the tank is slowly increased to as high as 85°F (29°C). Since this is behavior that a lot of other fish don’t exhibit, it can look really strange until you get used to it! Common Names : Clown Pleco. They have adapted to get a significant amount of nutrients from using it as a food source. The ideal temperature range for clown loaches is 75-85 °F. Zebra Pleco. Clown plecos (scientific name: panaque maccus) are naturally found primarily in Venezuela but have been documented in Columbia as well. Clown plecos enjoy a pH level between 6.8 – 7.6 and a temperature between 73-82 °F. … The Ph range of the fish is 2.0 to 3.0 The tank water must be of the temperature 72-degree f to 86 degree F. The pH levels must be set between 6.5 and 7.5. Set up a regular light schedule. I suppose that could do it. Clown Pleco; Pitbull Pleco; Queen Arabesque Pleco; Zebra Pleco; The minimum size recommended for most of these species is probably a 30 gallon tank. Despite the ease of care, the clown pleco is a very rewarding fish to keep. These are small fish and don’t do a ton of swimming around, so you won’t need to get a massive tank in order to make them comfortable. Learn about the leopard sailfin plecostomus (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps). You won’t find a smaller pleco than this. The water temperature is usually not too critical to maintaining as plecos are not that much like the sensitive fish. Algae wafers are a great option as well as vegetables like lettuce, zucchini, cucumbers, and peas. They’re not picky about water hardness, and prefer neutral conditions with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Clown Pleco; Pitbull Pleco; Queen Arabesque Pleco; Zebra Pleco; The minimum size recommended for most of these species is probably a 30 gallon tank. The most important features of a Clown Panaque tank are a robust filtration system and plenty of driftwood and bogwood decor! Clown Plecos feed on algae and will be pleased with additional surfaces to grow algae for nourishment. Their pectoral fins are also very large and will often rest behind them when they’re laying on the substrate or on top of some driftwood. There are other dwarf pleco that are very small, but … They often snack on plants but are usually not destructive, so it’s best to provide a mix of fast and slow-growing options in your tank. Yes an actual clown pleco is a very small little fish not growing more then 3 inches long. The recommended tank size for clown plecos is 20 gallons at minimum. Anything you can rest on the substrate where algae can grow is good! Clown Synodontis (Synodontis decorus) ... Plecos have long been a favorite of the freshwater aquarist. A page dedicated to caring for Bulldog pleco with tips on water conditions, tank setup and compatibility. Common Pleco. Driftwood and clown plecos are like peanut butter and jelly. Clown Plecos don’t require vast spaces to swim, but we recommend at least a 20-gallon tank with an extra 10 gallons for each additional fish. If two males like the same piece of driftwood there might be a rumble. The average clown pleco size is roughly 3 and a half inches long. The water … Clown Pleco’s can be placed into small tanks around 20 gallons but as with most fish the bigger the better. Female fish and rival males will eat these eggs if they can! The primary base of this fish is black with brighter colored bands that stretch around their whole body in different patterns. Clowns prefer a moderate rate of water flowing along the bottom of their tank, which helps prevent dangerous hypoxic areas from developing. Temperature: 70–79F (21–26C) Common Pleco. This article contains information on the care/breeding of this beautiful fish. Aquarists of all experience levels successfully keep these fish without any problems. They have a rather interesting coloration, and they stay small (making them good for smaller aquariums). Clown Plecos don’t require vast spaces to swim, but we recommend at least a 20-gallon tank with an extra 10 gallons for each additional fish. These fish have a series of distinct patterns that make them stand out no matter who they’re sharing a tank with! Clowns are one of the few species of pleco known to breed spontaneously in captivity when kept in mixed-gender groups. Poor water quality drastically increases the chances of your clown pleco getting sick. They require a little warmer temperature than a lot of the common tropical species. Then, usually coinciding with a local storm event, a large water change with cool 70°F (21°C) soft water is done. Most plecos are tolerant of waters ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18-30°C), though they prefer temperatures between about 75 and 82°F (24-28°C). These bright sections are usually either whiteish-yellow or orange. If you give them enough space it will reduce the chance of this happening, but it’s no guarantee. The caudal fin of a clown pleco is about the same size as their dorsal fin in terms of surface area. A good clown pleco diet will also consist of various sinking plant-based food. The typical clown pleco lifespan is between 10-12 years when properly taken care of. Feeds on algae and plant matter in the wild. Water temperature: 73°F to 85°F (the middle of this range is ideal) pH levels: 6.5 to 7.4; Water hardness: 6 to 10 KH; Run some tests every few days after they’ve moved into their new tank to be sure these parameters are stable. Their ideal pH range is from 6.8 to 7.6, and they tolerate both hard and soft water conditions (see Breeding below). They feed heavily on wood products, so providing them with a variety of options helps balance their diet. You can choose a smaller species of pleco, like the Golden nugget, Zebra, Clown, or Bristlenose pleco, if you have a tank smaller than 100 gallons (380 L). Like Otos, … As with many plecos, it’s a good idea to add driftwood to your tank as this is going to be their main source of food. All species will benefit from a large planted aquarium that includes driftwood, various live plants and rocky substrate, or normal substrate … Temperament / Behavior : Peaceful towards other species, males are territorial towards other males Another good trick that will help stimulate breeding is to increase the amount of protein-rich food in their diet. Clown Plecos fall under the hardy species. OUR SIZE: 4-5CM MAX SIZE: 11CM Temperature Range: 22-30°C Minimum Tank Volume: 80 liters They’re not picky about water hardness, and prefer neutral conditions with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. However, it requires a little bit of setup. When this happens you can separate them and begin feeding the newborn clown plecos with a mixture of proteins. The Sailfin Pleco (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps) is a large freshwater catfish that is found primarily in the northern area of South America. When it comes to setting up a habitat for clown plecos you want to mimic their natural environment as much as possible. However, the temperature in the tank should be adjusted close to 86 °F or simply, the upper tolerance limits. Let’s take a look at the care requirements for the vivid black-and-yellow patterned Clown Panaque! Clown plecos (Panaqolus Marcus) Clown plecos sport varying patterns of stripes along their sides. She is an expert in setting up new tanks and maintaining naturally-planted freshwater habitats, and has experience raising a wide variety of aquatic species. Show us your pleco tank and tell us all about your favorite species of catfish! 20 Gallon or larger Long-style aquarium with cover/lid, Aquatic soil, sand or fine gravel substrate, Decor made from driftwood, bogwood, sticks and branches, Live/frozen/dried brine shrimp, bloodworms or, Aquarium lights and/or Moonlight for nighttime viewing, Second tank and sponge filter for raising fry. Another good option for a tank mate for your otos is a clown pleco. Learn more. Temperature : 73-82°F (23-28°C) Lifespan : approximately 10 years, can live longer. Clown Panaque are mostly nocturnal and active at night, although you can train your algae eaters with food to come out in the shaded areas of your tank during the day. Clown Pleco Size. Since Clown plecos are bottom dwellers who dig caves for spawning and hiding, it’s best to use a soft substrate that won’t injure their fins or abdomens. Neon tetras are one of the most popular fish in the hobby – and for good reason. The majority of Plecos are brown in color; however certain species’ … The little fish grow up to 3 inches and can be … Tank stocking is 10 corys, clown pleco and a male betta. Jen has more than 30 years experience as a biologist, aquarist, and fishkeeper. I’m not going to bore you with details, but the L-Number is a useful tool for ensuring you get the correct species and don’t end up with a fish that outgrows your tank. The one situation where their kind temperament can change is when you have more than one male in the same tank. But if a fish grows too big, that is a bridge to cross when you get to it. If the aquarium is kept in a room below 74°, use an Aqueon Aquarium Heater to maintain the proper temperature. Neon tetras are one of the most popular fish in the hobby – and for good reason. Tank Mates: Pleco (Common), Synodontis Eupterus, 2x Clown Loach, 5x Neon Tetra, 2x GloFish Skirted Tetra, 4x Zebra Danio (GloFish), 1x Painted Glass Fish (I did not know about dyed fish when I got him), 2x Electric Blue Crayfish, 1x Pair of Yellow Mollies and 1x Lyretail Guppy. Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 18°N (71.43 - 321.43ppm) Recommended temperature: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°F) The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning. Water Hardness and PH. While they are not aggressive, male fish may be territorial with each other, so be sure you have enough room if you’re keeping a group. Tankarium is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Clown Pleco’s can be placed into small tanks around 20 gallons but as with most fish the bigger the better. The problem is if you get a fish that was miss identified. Luckily, one of the most colorful plecos in the trade is also a peaceful dwarf species, so consider adding a striped Clown Pleco to your next aquatic community! Millie is a passionate aquarist who caught the fishkeeping bug in high school and has been addicted ever since. All species will benefit from a large planted aquarium that includes driftwood, various live plants and rocky substrate, or … Like most catfish, Clown plecos are scavenging omnivores, and while they mostly consume driftwood, algae and biofilm, they will readily eat live and protein-rich foods, especially when preparing to breed. Simply tack on an additional 10 gallons for each new clown pleco you want to keep! If you’d like to keep a group of Clown plecos you’ll just need a bigger tank! Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels. So for a community tank with a group of four Clown plecos (3 female/1 male), you’d need a 50-gallon aquarium! In this case, that means a lot of driftwood! You can choose a smaller species of pleco, like the Golden nugget, Zebra, Clown, or Bristlenose pleco, if you have a tank smaller than 100 gallons (380 L). Even if you’re someone who doesn’t get too into aesthetics when it comes to fish, you’ll probably enjoy them! As long as you provide them with the right environment and stay consistent with monitoring the water, you’ll be just fine. For a single Clown pleco, you’ll need at least a 20-gallon tank, but bigger is always better if you can swing it. Their outstanding traits, however, are their vibrant colors and distinctive markings! While the male will prevent other fish from eating the eggs, if you want to keep the fry safe from community predators you’ll need a tank to raise them in.