Clown Pleco
Panaque maccus
What you need to keep a Clown Pleco
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pH
6.5–7.5
Temperature
23–28 °C
Where to buy
Compare prices from SA aquarium shops listing Clown Pleco.
Avg. price
R350
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
The Clown Pleco is a small, attractively striped pleco that is an excellent choice for smaller tanks. They are primarily wood-eaters, so a constant supply of driftwood is essential for their health. They are shy and nocturnal, often hiding away during the day.
Key traits
Care guide
Keeping Clown Pleco healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
Size the aquarium to Clown Pleco's adult size and activity level. Provide hiding spots and stable, well-filtered water; it suits a community setup.
Water parameters
Keep pH 6.5–7.5 and 23–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers; acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Herbivore. Feed small amounts it clears in a couple of minutes, and vary the diet.
Behaviour
Peaceful. Watch it at feeding time and at lights-out to see its real temperament in your tank.
Tankmates
Choose tankmates of similar size and temperament with the same water needs. Avoid fin-nippers and anything large enough to eat it.
Breeding
Breeding success with Clown Pleco depends on the line and water chemistry; ask your shop about proven pairs.
Settling this fish in?
Condition the tap water, seed the filter, test through the first weeks — most early losses trace back to one of those.
10% off your first order, no code, at checkout
Availability confirmed with the distributor before dispatch · free delivery over r750
Community photos
From hobbyists across SA.
Market intelligence
Price trends and buyer demand — data only FishHub tracks.
Price tracking started 18 Jul 2026 — chart builds as listings are updated
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