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Clown Plecs are a very good choice for grazing on algae in smaller aquaria. These pretty looking catfish come from the Amazon basin and only grow to around 7.5cm in length. Perfect 60cm starter tanks, they like a pH level of anywhere between 5.0 and 7.5. Moderate lighting with lots of driftwood, rocks, and plants, placed on a gravel or sandy bed is ideal. Can be kept safely with most community fish and central/south American cichlids. Feed a mix of sinking pellets, algae wafers, and frozen tropical foods.
Common name(s):
Clown Plec
Scientific name:
Peckoltia vittata
Family:
Loricariidae
Group:
Suckermouth Catfishes
Colour:
Brown body colour with light brown-yellowy stripes wrapped around the body.
Native habitat:
Amazon River, Rio Madeira, Brazil.
Potential lifespan:
5-8 years.
Maximum size (approx.):
5cm
Degree of difficulty to keep:
Easy, perfect for beginners.
Swimming level:
Bottom / deep areas.
Breeding:
Egg layer.
Sex:
Males grow small teeth-like odontodes which enhance the leading pectoral fin rays and the rear part of the fish’s body.
Females remain plain and have a broader girth across the body which is most apparent in the area just behind the pectoral fins when viewed from above.
Temperature:
23-26°c
Water parameters:
pH 5.0-7.5,
hardness 5-20 °dGH.
Feeding:
Catfish pellets, algae wafers,
Frozen fish foods such bloodworm, tubifex, tropical mix,
Cucumber, spinach, lettuce for a treat.
Minimum aquarium size:
60cm long.
54 litres.
Cohabitation:
Best kept singly in smaller aquaria, can become territorial as they get older.
Suitable to keep with most community fish and central/south American cichlids.
Other tips and information:
Provide good, strong filtration with plenty of water movement.
Regular partial water changes are essential for these fish.
Clown Plecs are a very good choice for grazing on algae in smaller aquaria. These pretty looking catfish come from the Amazon basin and only grow to around 7.5cm in length. Perfect 60cm starter tanks, they like a pH level of anywhere between 5.0 and 7.5. Moderate lighting with lots of driftwood, rocks, and plants, placed on a gravel or sandy bed is ideal. Can be kept safely with most community fish and central/south American cichlids. Feed a mix of sinking pellets, algae wafers, and frozen tropical foods.
Common name(s):
Clown Plec
Scientific name:
Peckoltia vittata
Family:
Loricariidae
Group:
Suckermouth Catfishes
Colour:
Brown body colour with light brown-yellowy stripes wrapped around the body.
Native habitat:
Amazon River, Rio Madeira, Brazil.
Potential lifespan:
5-8 years.
Maximum size (approx.):
5cm
Degree of difficulty to keep:
Easy, perfect for beginners.
Swimming level:
Bottom / deep areas.
Breeding:
Egg layer.
Sex:
Males grow small teeth-like odontodes which enhance the leading pectoral fin rays and the rear part of the fish’s body.
Females remain plain and have a broader girth across the body which is most apparent in the area just behind the pectoral fins when viewed from above.
Temperature:
23-26°c
Water parameters:
pH 5.0-7.5,
hardness 5-20 °dGH.
Feeding:
Catfish pellets, algae wafers,
Frozen fish foods such bloodworm, tubifex, tropical mix,
Cucumber, spinach, lettuce for a treat.
Minimum aquarium size:
60cm long.
54 litres.
Cohabitation:
Best kept singly in smaller aquaria, can become territorial as they get older.
Suitable to keep with most community fish and central/south American cichlids.
Other tips and information:
Provide good, strong filtration with plenty of water movement.
Regular partial water changes are essential for these fish.
