Clown Plec

Care

The Clown Plec is a beautiful dwarf species ideally suited to smaller aquaria. An essential component of decor in any tank housing one or more Clown Plecs is bogwood. The tank MUST contain plenty of this for this wood-eating species to survive. In the wild, the Clown Plec can be found living amongst tangles of roots close to the river bank, which not only provide food, but also create a safe haven from predators; the colour and pattern of this species really helping it to blend into its surroundings. Clown Plecs will feel most at home under subdued lighting. Plenty of decor consisting primarily of bogwood, with rocks/cobbles and planting will all help to create much appreciated shady refuges. Excellent water conditions should be maintained at all times via the use of a powerful filtration system that can cope with the amount of "wood waste". A good current and high level of oxygenation will serve the fish well, and may even tempt them into breeding. Clown Plecs are peaceful towards other types of fish and should only be kept alongside small quiet species e.g. small tetras, hatchet fish, pencilfish etc. In larger tanks, more than one specimen may be kept together in the same aquarium. This species is often confused with Peckoltia vittata in aquarium literature.

Feeding

The aquarium MUST contain bogwood for these wood-eating fish to feed upon. Sinking catfish pellets, algae wafers, small frozen foods and vegetable matter such as cucumber, squash, sweet potato etc will also be enjoyed.

Breeding

An increase in water current coupled with a series of cool partial water changes with soft water may trigger a mature male-female pair into spawning amongst small tight caves.