What size tank does a clown pleco need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Panaqolus maccus.
How many clown plecos in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if clown plecos are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many clown plecos |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | 1 |
| 29 gallon | up to 2 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 3 |
| 55 gallon | up to 5 |
| 75 gallon | up to 7 |
| 125 gallon | up to 12 |
Check clown plecos against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Needs driftwood to rasp on.
Tank mates for clown plecos
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Rummy-nose tetra
- Lemon tetra
- Marbled hatchetfish
- Cherry barb
- Cardinal tetra
- Glowlight tetra
- Black neon tetra
- Harlequin rasbora
Poor matches
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as clown pleco.
- Molly: They need different water: Clown pleco likes a pH of 6–7.8, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank does a clown pleco need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many clown plecos should be kept together?
One is fine. A clown pleco does not need company, though a large enough tank can hold more than one.
Can clown plecos live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Clown pleco needs at least 20 gallons (76 liters).
What temperature do clown plecos need?
73–82 °F (23–28 °C), with a pH of 6–7.8. In most homes that means a heater.
Can clown plecos live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 20 gallons (76 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.