Clown Pleco

About the Clown Pleco

Species Type: Freshwater Fish
Category: Catfish

Care Level: Very Easy. Will tolerate a wide range of water parameters including pH, temperature and hardness. Can tolerate higher nitrate levels than other fish and is hardy enough to withstand the cycling process. Will readily eat prepared foods and has no special care requirements.

Origin: Orinoco River Basin (Venezuela & Columbia)

Compatibility/Temperament: 2

Description

Like Sir Paul said, "Got to be good lookin' 'cause he's so hard to see." If you are one of those people who needs to see a fish every day (or week or month) to reassure you, this is not the fish for you. Also, if you are looking for a vigorous algae eater, move along.

The Clown or Ringlet pleco is an attractive, reasonably priced, and exceedingly shy fish. It has the characteristic armored scutes rather than scales, and the mouth tucked under the head and adapted for sucking, rasping, and holding fast in strong currents. This is a stocky critter, with a broad head and medium to short tail. The main body and fins range in color for a nearly white beige to black, but most specemins are of a brown somewhere between chocolate and cinnamon. Over this are white to orange transverse stripes ringing the body and continuing onto the fins, and ranging in width from threadlike to so wide as to make it appear a light colored, dark striped fish. The patterning is highly variable from population to population, and in individuals as they age. There are spines in and near the dorsal and pectoral fins, so using a net for capture is not recommended, and double bagging with a layer of absorbent padding between is mandatory for long distance transport.

Their patterning provides excellent camoflage in their natural habitat - submerged tree root structures and driftwood dams. This habitat is characterized by many retreats, lots of shade, and, of course, wood. These are all things that Clown Plecos positively require. In a well lit tank, it will spend all the light period hidden, but in dim lighting it is easier to see moving around the tank. These are territorial fish, and will defend a patch of substrate near their favored retreat or hunk of driftwood from all other fish in the tank, moving along those as it can especially during feeding time. However, other than this behavior, it is quite peaceful. Driftwood forms a major part of the Clown Pleco's diet, though not to the degree that one should be overly concerned about having to replace their driftwood frequently. Algae is a much smaller part. Vegetables are eaten, with yams and sweet potatos a particular favorite,and a weekly protein component should be included - eg. shrimp pellets or live or frozen bloodworms. With all this roughage in the diet, they do produce waste in great excess, so strong mechanical filtration is a must.

This is a hardy fish, well able to defend itself. It is comfortable in standard tropical aquarium temperatures - 75 to 80 F, and most pH, kH, and dGH so long as they are not extreme. It thrives in pH 6.6 to 7.8, with hardness 5 to 14 dGH. It can be sensitive to nitrites, though, so make sure the tank is cycled. With good care, it is not unusual for this little beauty to live 10 to 12 years, and not unheard of for it to reach 18.

Also known as the Ringlet Pleco

Clown Pleco Diet

Driftwood, algae, algae pellets, vegetables (Yams, sweet potato, zucchini, cukes, spinach, romaine, banana), weekly protein: Brine, bloodworms, blackworms, shrimp pellets.

Size

Ideal water parameters for Clown Pleco

The Clown Pleco should be kept in an aquarium with the temperature ranging from 74 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and a Ph of around 7.