PLECOSTOMUS – CLOWN L104
Panaqolus maccus
Price range: $14.99 through $19.99
The Clown Plecostomus or Pleco for short, also known as the L104 Pleco, are native to highly oxygenated and fast flowing waters of the Rio Orinoco and Meta river basins in Venezuela and Colombia. Contrary to popular belief, the Clown pleco has little interest in algae or anything of the sort, requiring a diet of predominately driftwood. This pleco will almost entirely ignore all other fish in the aquarium, with the exception of other bottom-dwelling plecos or catfish species that it will show aggression toward. Only one Clown pleco should be kept per aquarium, unless the aquarium is very large and ample refuge places are provided along with plenty of driftwood. An adult Clown pleco can reach a size of approximately 3-1/2″, making this dwarf plecostomus a desirable species for smaller aquariums.
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: With Caution
General Description: The Clown Plecostomus or Pleco for short, also known as the L104 Pleco, are native to highly oxygenated and fast flowing waters of the Rio Orinoco and Meta river basins in Venezuela and Colombia. Contrary to popular belief, the Clown pleco has little interest in algae or anything of the sort, requiring a diet of predominately driftwood. This pleco will almost entirely ignore all other fish in the aquarium, with the exception of other bottom-dwelling plecos or catfish species that it will show aggression toward. Only one Clown pleco should be kept per aquarium, unless the aquarium is very large and ample refuge places are provided along with plenty of driftwood. An adult Clown pleco can reach a size of approximately 3-1/2″, making this dwarf plecostomus a desirable species for smaller aquariums.
Diet Requirements: Clown plecostomus are wood eaters by nature, thus absolustely requiring a number of wood pieces. Otherwise, it may scavenge other foods on the bottom of the aquarium. A diet made up of various high quality frozen foods such as bloodworms, mussels or mysis shrimp are ideal in addition to sinking dried foods or gel foods that contain spirulina. Offering blanched pieces of zucchini occasionally can be attempted, but may not be accepted. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 30 to 40 gallon aquarium is ideal for a Clown pleco. This species requires relatively clean water that is low in nitrates (< 20 ppm) and highly oxygenated. It would also prefer more generous water movement, but this is not necessary to keep this species successfully. A Clown pleco should not be introduced into a biologically immature aquarium, as they are sensitive to nitrite and ammonia. The aquarium should have a fine to sandy substrate and aquascaped with generous amounts of soft driftwood for this species to feed on. Rocks or other arrangments would also be appreciated. Predominately nocturnal, it is not uncommon for your Clown pleco to hang on driftwood or hide most of the day. They are to be added with caution into planted aquariums, as some individuals have been observed to eat soft-leaved plants. Given their small adult size, Clown plecos should not be considered for more aggressive cichlid set-ups and rather should be only considered exclusively for community type set-ups. Recommended water conditions, 74-82° F, KH 4-8, pH 6.0-7.5.
Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/2” to 1-3/4”, Large: 2” to 2-1/2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Perishable items (i.e. live plants, refrigerated/frozen foods) are shipped via US Postal Service 2-3 day to the address provided at checkout for a $25.00 flat rate charge. Items are packed with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more perishable items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $25.00 perishable shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via UPS Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to receive the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
For mixed dry goods/perishable & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via UPS Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.
