Sunshine Pleco tank mates
Scobinancistrus aureatus
6 rated pairings from the Sunshine Pleco care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Sunshine Pleco needs at least 150 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Excellent matches
4 · Same water, complementary zones, no conflict.Sterbai Corydoras
Corydoras sterbai
20 gal min · 2.5" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful bottom-dwellers that occupy different ecological niches and do not compete
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
15 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Small schooling fish that occupy mid-water zone and do not interfere with pleco
Java Fern
Microsorum pteropus
Hardy plant that provides shelter and is not consumed by this pleco species
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Durable plant attachment that provides cover without being damaged by the pleco
Good matches
2 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp.
20 gal min · 5" adult · Peaceful
Similar peaceful herbivorous nature, though separate territories recommended in large tanks
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful algae-eaters that share similar dietary preferences but occupy different areas
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.