Common Pleco
Pterygoplichthys pardalis
The biggest beginner trap. Sold at 5 cm, but grows to 45 cm. Its load matches 20 neon tetras.
Temp 22~30°CpH 6.5~8.2GH 4~25Adult 45 cmGroup fine aloneMin. tank 400 L · 120 cm+ longSwims bottomPrice $3.57
How many fit in each tank?
The largest group where none died in 90 days. Tap water · black sand · bacteria starter on day 1 · fish added on day 10 · 25% weekly water changes.
Run a 120 cm large tank with 1 yourself →Don’t keep with
The same rules the engine uses for tankmates.
Water doesn’t match
Good tankmates
No eating or bullying either way, with plenty of overlap in temperature and pH. Fish that swim at a different level come first.
The numbers on this page come from the Water Kiwoogi simulator model; real tanks can differ.