Clown Pleco

Panaqolus maccus

Also sold as L104 · L162

Synonyms Panaque maccus · Clown panaque

Clown Pleco (Panaqolus maccus) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 9 cm (3.5 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 73–82°F (23–28°C) and pH 6–7.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 75 L (20 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	9 cm (3.5 in)
Minimum tank	75 L (20 gal)
Group size	Can be kept singly
Temperature	73–82°F (23–28°C)
pH	6–7.5
Temperament	Peaceful
GH	2–15
Lifespan	10–12 years
Eats shrimp	No

Before it goes in

Clown Pleco needs at least 75 L (20 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 20 Gallon High.
It leaves shrimp and small fish alone.
It holds at 73–82°F (23–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp.
One of them takes up roughly 20% of what a 20 Gallon High will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.

What tank size does it need?

At least 75 L (20 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 20 Gallon High.

Will it eat shrimp?

No — adult shrimp and their young are both safe with it.

What water does it want?

73–82°F (23–28°C), pH 6–7.5, GH 2–15.

How long does it live?

10–12 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio and Molly.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Clown Pleco	Bristlenose Pleco	Clown Killifish
Adult size	9 cm	12 cm	3.5 cm
Min tank	75 L	75 L	41 L
Group	1+	1+	8+
Temperature	73–82°F (23–28°C)	72–81°F (22–27°C)	68–79°F (20–26°C)
Eats shrimp	No	No	Shrimplets only

More livestock

Plan a tank with Clown Pleco →

Sources (3) · checked Sep 2026