Clown pleco - Panaque maccus
Scientific name: Panaque maccus
Common name: Clown pleco
Family: Loricariidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 6 - 8 cm (2.36 - 3.15 inch)
014
Recommended pH range for the species: 6.6 - 7.8
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 18°N (71.43 - 321.43ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: Central America
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels
Food
The Clown Pleco is an herbivore that mostly eats algae and plant matter in the aquarium. They should also snack on a little bit of wood now and then to help with digestion.
Sexing
Once mature, the males will develop jagged points on their back. The females become plumper in their belly area.
Breeding
A pair can be conditioned on dried bloodworms with the temperature slightly raised. The female will find a cave to lay eggs in. The babies can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp and they should also have some algae and a little bit of wood for them to graze upon.
Lifespan
The Clown Pleco can live for 10-12 years.
Origin
The Clown Pleco originates in South American countries such as Columbia and Venezuela
Short Description
This is a very peaceful species that will tolerate most other fish. Compared to other species of plecos, this one stays pretty small. It only grows to about 4 or 5 inches. The Clown Pleco is no picky when it comes to water conditions but any changes in temperature or acidity should be done gradually.
Pictures
Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.