Plecostomus Mega Clown
Live Animals Are Click and Collect Only
Please note that we do not ship live animals. You can order online and collect in store.
Special Offer - Buy Any 5 Fish & Get 6th Fish Free Mix & Match
Offer is automatically applied when you add any six fish to cart
🐟 Plecostomus Mega Clown Care Sheet
🔹 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hypostomus sp. (“Mega Clown”) |
| Common Name | Mega Clown Pleco, Clown Plecostomus |
| Origin | South America (Amazon Basin) |
| Adult Size | 35–45 cm (14–18 in) |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years |
| Temperament | Peaceful, territorial with own species |
| Tank Level | Bottom |
🔹 Tank Setup
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 400+ liters (100+ gallons) for an adult |
| Temperature | 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Hardness | 5–15 dGH |
| Substrate | Sand or smooth gravel |
| Decor | Driftwood, caves, rocks, hiding spots |
| Lighting | Low to moderate |
| Filtration | Strong filtration; produces moderate waste |
Tips:
-
Provide plenty of hiding spots with driftwood or caves.
-
Requires a large tank due to size and active bottom-dwelling behavior.
-
Regular water changes are essential for maintaining water quality.
🔹 Diet
-
Type: Omnivorous / algae eater
-
Best Foods: Algae wafers, sinking pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach), occasional protein foods (bloodworms, shrimp).
-
Feeding Frequency: Once daily or as needed; supplement algae for grazing.
🔹 Behavior & Compatibility
-
Generally peaceful with other species but may become territorial with other large bottom dwellers.
-
Best kept with medium to large peaceful community fish.
-
Excellent for algae control but requires ample space.
🧭 Tank Mate Guide
✅ Compatible Species
-
Large peaceful tetras or barbs
-
Silver Dollars
-
Other large Plecos (with caution)
-
Peaceful cichlids
⚠️ Avoid or Use Caution With
-
Small fish that can fit in its mouth
-
Aggressive species that compete for territory
-
Other bottom dwellers in very small tanks
🐣 Breeding Info
-
Rarely bred in home aquaria; usually bred by commercial breeders.
-
Parental Care: None observed; adults do not guard eggs.
-
Fry feed on micro-foods like finely crushed pellets or algae-based powders.
🌿 Fun Facts
-
Named for its distinct clown-like striped pattern and large size.
-
Strong algae grazer; active mostly at night.
-
Requires a large tank and stable water conditions to thrive.
