The L104 Clown Pleco, scientifically known as Panaqolus maccus, is a popular and attractive small species of pleco that would be a great addition to a peaceful community aquarium in Caboolture. Here's what you need to know about their care:
Appearance:
- They have a dark brown to black body adorned with bright orange to yellowish wavy or straight stripes.
- Their eyes are noticeably large and bulbous.
- They typically grow to a maximum size of around 8-10 cm (3-4 inches).
Tank Requirements:
- A minimum tank size of 75-100 liters (20-30 gallons) is recommended for a single adult. If you plan to keep multiple or have a larger community, a larger tank will be necessary.
- Substrate: Sand or fine, smooth gravel is best to protect their bellies as they forage.
- Decorations: Plenty of hiding places are essential, such as caves (pleco caves, rock structures), and especially driftwood. Clown Plecos need to rasp on driftwood as it aids their digestion and provides essential fiber. Live plants like Java fern and Anubias can also be included.
- Water Flow: They appreciate moderate water flow with good oxygenation.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F). A reliable heater is crucial in Caboolture, especially during cooler months.
- pH: 6.5-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).
- Hardness: Soft to moderately soft (5-15 dGH).
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm.
- Nitrate: Below 20 ppm through regular water changes.
Temperament and Tank Mates:
- Clown Plecos are generally peaceful and can be kept in community tanks with other non-aggressive fish of similar size and temperament.
- They can be territorial towards other Clown Plecos, so if keeping more than one, ensure plenty of space and individual hiding spots.
- Avoid housing them with large or very active bottom dwellers that might outcompete them for food.
- Good tank mates include: Tetras, Rasboras, smaller peaceful catfish (like Corydoras), and Apistogramma.
Diet:
- Clown Plecos are omnivores with a diet that should be high in vegetable matter and some protein.
- Staple foods: High-quality algae wafers and sinking pellets (including those with some protein).
- Vegetables: Supplement their diet with blanched zucchini, cucumber, and leafy greens a few times a week.
- Occasional treats: Live or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and insect larvae can be offered sparingly.
- Driftwood is essential as they graze on it.
Breeding:
- Breeding Clown Plecos in captivity can be challenging but has been achieved.
- They are cave spawners. Provide small caves or PVC pipes with narrow entrances for spawning.
- Males may develop elongated odontodes (small tooth-like structures) on their heads and along their dorsal fin when in breeding condition. Females tend to be longer and plumper.
- The male will guard the eggs in the cave until they hatch.
- Mimicking the transition from the dry to the rainy season in their natural habitat (changes in temperature and water parameters) may help trigger spawning.
