About Clown Pleco

The Clown Pleco is a small, colorful pleco species that stays under 4 inches, making it perfect for smaller community tanks. Native to Venezuela, they are wood-eating plecos that absolutely require driftwood in their diet. They have a distinctive striped pattern with alternating dark and light bands that gives them their name. Unlike algae-eating plecos, Clown Plecos primarily eat wood and biofilm, making them less effective for algae control but excellent for keeping driftwood clean. They are peaceful, nocturnal fish that hide during the day.

Care Guide

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Clown Plecos absolutely require driftwood.

Essential Setup:

  • 20+ gallons
  • Driftwood ESSENTIAL: Must have wood to eat
  • Caves or hiding spots
  • Smooth rocks
  • Moderate filtration
  • Temperature 74-80°F

Water Quality

  • Temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C)
  • pH: 6.5-7.5
  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderate (3-15 dGH)
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm

Feeding

Wood-eating specialists:

  • Driftwood: Primary food source (essential)
  • Algae wafers (supplement)
  • Vegetables: zucchini, cucumber
  • Occasional protein

CRITICAL: Must have driftwood to eat. Will starve without it.

Behavior & Compatibility

Peaceful and secretive:

  • Nocturnal: Hide during day, active at night
  • Peaceful: Good community fish
  • Wood specialists: Different diet than other plecos
  • Territorial: Defend caves

Good Tank Mates:

  • Small community fish
  • Tetras, rasboras
  • Corydoras
  • Peaceful tank mates

Wood Eating

Specialized diet:

  • Must eat wood: Essential for digestion
  • Driftwood required: In tank at all times
  • Biofilm: Also graze on wood surface
  • Not algae eaters: Poor algae control

Size

  • Adult size: Only 3-4 inches
  • Perfect for: 20-30 gallon tanks
  • Stays small: True small pleco

Striped Pattern

  • Alternating dark and light stripes
  • Colorful appearance
  • “Clown” pattern gives name

Breeding

Can be bred:

  • Cave spawners
  • Male guards eggs
  • Commercial breeding available

Tips for Success

  • Driftwood absolutely required
  • Stays small (3-4 inches)
  • Not for algae control
  • Perfect for small tanks
  • Peaceful community member
  • Secretive, hide during day

Compatible Tank Mates

🐠 Peaceful Community Fish
🐠 Small Tetras
🐠 Rasboras
🐠 Gouramis
🐠 Corydoras