Clown Pleco (Panaqolus maccus)

Clown plecos are genuine wood-eaters, not just wood-decorators: driftwood makes up a real part of their digestive process, with gut mechanisms that let them extract nutrition from cellulose most fish can't touch. Skip the driftwood in the tank and this one won't just miss out on enrichment — it can develop real digestive problems over time.

Care level: Easy · Temperament: Peaceful · Max size: ~3.5" · Min tank: 20 gal, driftwood required · Diet: Omnivore, wood + algae wafers