Can I keep differant types of Pleco together.

[kieranmhewitt]

Hi,
I was wondering if it is OK to add another Pleco such as a Bristlenose or something more fancy to my tank that already contains a Common Plec.

Thanks
Kieran

 

[OrionGirl]

I wouldn't. The common plec will outgrow your tank as is, and adding another one will be a huge increase to the bioload. If you remove the common, you could easily keep 2-3 of the smaller varieties. They tend to tussle a bit over the best hiding places, so be sure to provide ample caves and feed them enough. I have a common, 2 bristlenose, and a butterfly pulcher together. There were several shoving matches the first day or two, but nothing serious--the rainbow shark and a large male bristlenose fought more, causing some ripped fins and such.

 

[kieranmhewitt]

The Common Plec is only about 3' at the moment and I will move him to a larger tank when he is bigger. My main concern was at this stage is whether they would fight. Do you think they would be OK.

Thanks
Kieran

 

[OrionGirl]

As long as there are adequate hiding places, they will probably squabble a bit when first introduced, then each will claim it's own place and be okay. As the common gets larger, it will claim and defend more space, and potentiall not share with any fish.

 

[kieranmhewitt]

Thanks for your advie.

Kieran

 

[ChileRelleno]

I'd be more concerned about same types or closely related/appearance displaying aggression towards each other, e.g. two Commons or a Common and a Sailfin, especially if of similar size and mature.
Mixing various types is usually not a problem as long as there is adequate habitat/territory/hiding places for each and the size difference is not too great, as a full grown mature Snow King Could could potentially harm a Bristlenose (Etc...) with a inadvertant swipe of its tail

 

[L046]

No problem mixing them around, as long as you can provide for the space when they turns big.

 

[daveedka]

You will want to research each type carefully, while most of them will be fine given enough tank space as said. There are a few types that get along with no one. My royal won't tolerate any other pleco's in the tank period. I have been told the snow king is the same way but don't know it to be a fact.
dave