Common Pleco tank mates
Hypostomus plecostomus
5 rated pairings from the Common Pleco care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Common Pleco needs at least 100 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Good matches
4 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Small schooling fish that occupy mid-water column and won't compete for bottom space or food
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
15 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Similar water parameter requirements and peaceful nature; occupy different tank zones
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
15 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Schooling fish that prefer mid-water areas, leaving bottom territory for the pleco
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
10 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Algae-eating invertebrates that work alongside plecos without direct competition
Use caution
1 · Works in the right setup; read the note before combining.
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.