Species · Panaqolus maccus

Clown pleco: tank size, water and tank mates

Wood-eating pleco: needs driftwood in the diet; produces a lot of fine waste.

Adult size10 cm (3.9 in)
Minimum tank29 US gal
Temperature23–27 °C (73–81 °F)
pH6.5–7.8
Temperamentpeaceful
Keep in groups ofAlone or pairs
Swimsbottom
Shrimp & snailsUsually safe

Check a tank with Clown pleco

Good tank mates for Clown pleco

These species share its temperature range and temperament, with no fin-nipping or predation risk under our rules. Still check your tank size and bioload in the checker.

African butterflyfish · African dwarf frog · Agassiz's dwarf cichlid · Amano shrimp · Angelfish · Assassin snail · Banjo catfish · Betta (male) · Black neon tetra · Black phantom tetra · Black ruby barb · Black skirt tetra · Bleeding heart tetra · Bloodfin tetra · Blue acara · Bristlenose pleco · Bronze corydoras · Buenos Aires tetra · Bumblebee goby · Celestial pearl danio · Checkerboard barb · Cherry barb · Cherry shrimp · Chili rasbora

Avoid with Clown pleco

Common / comet goldfish (temperature) · Convict cichlid (aggression) · Demasoni cichlid (aggression) · Discus (temperature) · Fancy goldfish (temperature) · Jack Dempsey (aggression) · Jewel cichlid (aggression) · Medaka (temperature) · Oscar (predation) · Paradise fish (temperature) · Pea puffer (aggression) · Rosy barb (temperature) · White cloud mountain minnow (temperature)

Sources

Checked 2026-11-09 · confidence: medium. These are cautious community guidelines, not guarantees. Not veterinary advice. Report an error.