Best for
Aquariums where its role fits: algae grazer.
C
Fish · Freshwater
Clown pleco
Panaqolus maccus
Clown pleco is a popular community aquarium fish.
Difficulty
Beginner
Aggression
10/10
Schooling
Yes
Size
5.00 cm
Minimum volume
40 L
Temperature
22.0-28.0 ºC
Zone
Bottom
Lifespan
5 years
Quick profile scan
fish
Territoriality
Low
Aggression
10/10
Activity
Slow
Thermal sensitivity
Medium
Bioload
Medium
Speed
Slow
Predation risk
None
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Quick verdict
A practical summary to quickly decide whether it fits your aquarium.
Typical risk
Stability depends on temperature, group size, and real compatibility.
Aquarium zone
Where it lives best
Surface
Midwater
Bottom
primary
Quick compatibility
Community signals
Shrimp
Compatible
Snails
Compatible
Slow fish
Conditional
Aggressive fish
Conditional
Small fish
Compatible
Large fish
Compatible
Delicate plants
Conditional
Buying decision
Before buying Clown pleco
Review these points before adding it to your aquarium. They are practical notes based on its profile, ecological data, and known relationships.
L
Adult volume
Make sure your aquarium is above 40 L before buying it.
G
Minimum group
Do not keep it alone if it needs a group; plan space for the right number of individuals.
T
Territory and cover
Prepare visual cover and calm areas if it will live with other species.
Parameters
Water conditions
pH
6.5 - 7.5
GH
5 - 15
KH
3 - 10
Temperature
22.0 - 28.0 ºC
Growth and behavior
Juvenile to adult
Juvenile
As a juvenile it is usually more flexible and less dominant than an adult. Even so, it benefits from cover, stable parameters and tank mates that do not compete intensely in the bottom.
Shift
The transition to adulthood usually brings more stable behavior when group size, space and parameters are suitable.
Adult
As an adult it behaves as a algae-grazing species and needs space, tank mates and activity level to be well balanced. Its impact increases when bioload or competition is high.
Ecological profile
Role and biological pressure
Algae Grazer
Bottom Cleaner
Small
Medium
Moderate
None
Profile: algae-grazing species, with medium bioload and primary use of the bottom. It does not rely on a strong school, but it still needs a balanced community without harassment. Provide hiding places, visual barriers and enough room to prevent constant pressure.
Ecological radar
profile
Territoriality
24%
Aggression
100%
Activity
24%
Thermal sensitivity
52%
Bioload
52%
Common mistakes
What to avoid
Keeping it in tanks below the recommended adult volume.
Keeping too few individuals for a social species.
Essential care
Keep in groups of at least 6 specimens. It prefers tanks with open swimming space, some current and weekly water changes.
Daily time
10 min
Breeding
It is an egg-laying fish and relatively easy to breed. It scatters eggs among plants or over the substrate and provides no parental care.
Oviparous
Easy
Hembras más redondeadas y robustas. Machos más esbeltos y algo más amarillentos.
Alerts and health
- Mantener en grupo
- Espacio para nadar
- Acuario tapado
- Corriente suave a moderada
Common issues
Ich
Podredumbre de aletas
Parásitos externos
Expert notes
Interesting details
01
Es una de las especies más usadas en investigación biomédica
02
Sus rayas permanecen visibles durante toda la vida
03
Es un pez muy activo y gregario
Editorial confidence
Last review: June 2026
Content based on parameters, ecological profiles and manual relationships.
Profile data
Ecological profile
Manual relationships
General aquarium observation
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