Clown Pleco
A smaller pleco species with bold striping. Clown plecos stay more manageable than common plecos, but still need driftwood, hiding places, and good water quality.
tankSize
75L (20 gal) minimum
careLevel
Beginner to Intermediate
temperature
23 to 27C
temperament
Peaceful
diet
Driftwood, algae wafers, and vegetables
lifespan
8 to 12 years
aloneOrCommunity
Community
weeklyMaintenance
Water changes and filter checks
Best for
- Owners who want a smaller pleco option
- Community tanks with peaceful fish
- Planted setups with driftwood and caves
- People who can supplement diet beyond algae
Not ideal for
- Tanks without driftwood or hiding spots
- Uncycled aquariums
- Owners expecting constant visible activity
- Overstocked tanks with poor water quality
Temperament
- Peaceful and shy
- Mostly active in the evening
- Prefers caves and wood to hide and graze
Daily routine
feeding: Offer wafers and vegetables a few times per week, especially at night.
check: Look for normal grazing and steady body condition.
enrichment: Caves and driftwood are essential for comfort.
Living fit
smallHome: Good for medium community tanks with routine care.
kids: Fun to spot, but not always visible during the day.
firstTimeOwner: Good if you understand basic feeding and maintenance.
Health notes
- Clean water and stable parameters prevent common bottom-dweller issues.
- Diet should include more than algae for long-term health.
- Quarantine new fish to reduce disease risk.
Cost and time
time: Low daily time; standard weekly maintenance.
cost: Moderate setup cost; driftwood and hides recommended.
Find the best fish for your lifestyle
Prefer a guided recommendation instead of browsing?
Find the best fish for me