Panaqolus maccus
| Panaqolus maccus | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Loricariidae |
| Genus: | Panaqolus |
| Species: | P. maccus |
| Binomial name | |
| Panaqolus maccus (S. A. Schaefer & D. J. Stewart, 1993) | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Panaqolus maccus, commonly called the clown panaque, clown plecostomus, clown pleco, or ringlet pleco, is a dwarf loricariid. By numbering systems such as the L-number system, this fish may also be known as L104, L162, or LDA22.[1]
Distribution and habitat
This fish is endemic to Venezuela where it is found in the Apuré and Caroní River basins.[2] Their natural environment is driftwood tangles near riverbanks.[1]
Description
This species is a small loricariid. It reaches a length of 8.8 centimetres (3.5 in) SL.[2]
This species has a striped pattern. However, this colouration may change with age. Also, there are specimens with straight bars, but there are also specimens with a broken or wavy pattern. The wavy pattern form is found in the actual Orinoco and its tributaries in Bolivar State, Venezuela, while the "normal" patterned P. maccus comes from further north and west (Cojedes, Portuguesa, Guarico, and Apure States) in the llanos where the drainages run into the Apure River[1].
In the aquarium
Panaqolus maccus is one of the most common species of small, striped loricariids available in the fishkeeping hobby. This species adapts well to aquarium life.[1] They are not too difficult to spawn.[1]
It should always be provided with enough driftwood in the tank, as it is a wood-eating fish. However fresh vegetables and frozen foods are recommended to be given as well from time to time. They are very peaceful fish suited for the average community tank. A good filtration is needed because of the large amounts of waste they produce, caused by their wood-based diet. It is suited for tanks starting from 15 gallons.[1]