Compatibility

[tself]

We adopted a common pleco who is about 8 in. long. He's in a 50 gal. aquarium all alone but I would like to add some gouramis. Are they compatible?

Thanks,
Tracy

 

[Sploke]

Gouramis and plecos should stay out of each others' way.

I would be more concerned about the fate of the pleco with regard to the tank size. Depending on the particular species of "common pleco", that fish will potentially grow to 18-24" long, its size only surpassed by its phenomenal ability to create waste. It will outgrow a 50 gal eventually.

 

[tself]

Well, I have a 125 gal. but have African cichlids in it which if I understand correctly need to stay away from the common pleco also. I guess I can switch tanks eventually. There are only 5 of the cichlids in the 125.

 

[bazil323]

It depends on what kind of African cichlids, I guess. I have mine (L387 plecos) in with kribs which are African cichlids, and they are perfectly fine. If they are more aggressive cichlids, then you might not want to risk it. However, you might be okay if the pleco has enough places to hide completely away from the cichlids during the day when they are active.

 

[lethalcustoms00]

i would say from uears of seeing it that the common pleco will be just fina as long as he has a place to get away from time to time. they outfrow most cichlids, and so end up being left alone