Are you wondering if keeping a plecostomus and betta fish together in the same tank is possible? Surprisingly, they can coexist quite peacefully as long as you take some important considerations into account.
For starters, you must choose a large enough tank for both species, as they will require plenty of room to thrive. In addition, you will need to provide suitable hiding places and territories for both fish so that they can feel secure and safe.
In this article, I will discuss other important factors to consider when housing a plecostomus and betta together, as well as tips for keeping them healthy and happy in their shared habitat.
Can Bettas Live with Plecos?
It is possible to keep a betta and plecostomus together in the same tank. However, there are some critical factors that you will need to consider to ensure the well-being of both fish.
For starters, you will need to provide a large enough tank for both species, as both require plenty of space to thrive. In addition, it is important to provide suitable hiding places and territories for the betta and plecostomus so they can feel safe and secure in their shared environment.
To keep them healthy, you should maintain good water quality by doing regular water changes and feeding them a nutritious diet tailored to their specific needs. With the proper care and attention, a betta and plecostomus can live happily together in the same tank for many years.
Why Do Bettas and Plecos Make Good Tank Mates?
Bettas and plecostomus make good tank mates due to a combination of several factors. Here are some reasons why these two species can coexist peacefully in the same tank:
They Have Similar Water Parameter Requirements
Water parameters play a significant role in any fish’s life, and bettas and plecostomus do best in similar conditions. This means that they are likely to be able to live together in harmony without negatively impacting each other’s health.
Also, you won’t have to worry about a temperature shock or other water quality issues that can occur with different species of fish. This can make it easier to care for both species and ensure that they thrive together in the tank.
They Dwell at Different Levels of the Aquarium
Plecos and bettas get along since they reside in two different sections of the aquarium. The plecostomus hangs out at the bottom, while the betta fish ?is often found swimming around the middle layer.
In other words, the two fish don’t cross paths too often, meaning that even if the betta is territorial, it won’t get in the pleco’s way. This lack of interaction can make it easier for both species to feel comfortable and content in the same tank.
They Have Complementing Personalities
Both of these guys have personalities that work well together in a community fish tank. The pleco is known to be easygoing, friendly, and always trying to avoid conflict.
In contrast, the betta is fiery and passionate and can sometimes become quite aggressive. However, this fish typically only bothers those that are a similar size or in its territory.
What Type of Plecos Can Live with Bettas?
Small species of pleco that eat algae, live at the bottom of the tank and can tolerate the same water temperature and pH levels as bettas make the best tankmates for bettas. Although the betta might still flare its fins at its new tankmate, this behavior is nothing to worry about.
You should also expect a certain amount of conflict, but it should not necessarily cause alarm. In fact, all plecos have armored skin that makes them more resistant to nips from your betta. Just remember not to put more than one pleco in the same aquarium.
Some examples of suitable plecos for betta tanks include:
Clown Pleco
The clown pleco, also called Panaque maccus, is one of the smallest members of the? Loricariidae family. They only grow to be about 4.5 inches long, making them a perfect fit for any aquarium that holds at least 20 gallons of water.
Also, these fish have a reflective brown and yellow striped pattern reminiscent of sunlight bouncing off the water. In contrast to other plecos with bold zebra stripes or spots, these are much more aesthetically pleasing, in my opinion.
This species is native to South America, specifically the Amazon River basin in Colombia and Venezuela. They prefer slow-moving waters where they can use rocks and roots for cover or hide within crevices in submerged tree logs.
Bristlenose Pleco
Bristlenose Plecos make ideal additions to tanks with bettas for several reasons. For starters, they only grow to about five inches in length, so they won’t take up too much space in a standard-sized aquarium. (Bristlenose plecos can comfortably live in 20-gallon long aquariums, whereas common plecos need at least 75 gallons.)
Aside from that, they have a gentle temperament and will not disturb your betta or eat your plants. The bristly whiskers on their face help them find food amongst the aquarium leaves and rocks, making them a great low-maintenance option for your betta tank.
Further, they need a piece of driftwood added to their tank in addition to the algae wafers you’re feeding them.
Rubber lip Pleco
Another type of fish that does well in a betta tank is the Rubber lip pleco. They grow up to 5-7 inches long, so you will need a 25-gallon aquarium for them to be content and thrive.
They might just be the best algae eaters in the pleco world. Most other plecos will do a pretty good job at eating algae, but these guys go above and beyond – including black beard algae.
However, Rubber lip plecos are very sensitive to copper. So, when stocking your tank with products, ensure you avoid anything containing copper. Instead, look for shrimp-safe options which will work just as well for them.
Chubby Pleco
Because Chubby plecos are bottom-dwelling fish, they’re less likely to bother bettas or try to compete with them for food. Also, you should know that these plecos can grow up to 6 inches long and will need at least a 25-30 gallon aquarium.
Also, they need a piece of driftwood in their tank for added hiding spots, in addition to the places your betta should already have. Chubby plecos usually prefer a moderate current and some plants to provide additional cover.
Zebra Pleco
The Zebra pleco is one of the smallest species of plecos, only growing to around 4 inches long. They have a beautiful black and white striped pattern that makes them stand out in any tank.
However, their patterns may also attract the betta’s attention, so they need to have hiding spaces available in their tank. Also, they prefer strong water currents, which bettas may not like. But if you can provide them with these conditions, they will do well in a betta tank together.
Queen Arabesque Pleco
The Queen Arabesque pleco only grows to be 3.5-4 inches long, so they don’t need too much space, and a 25-gallon tank will suffice. Although they make any aquarium look lovely with their black and white colors, the pattern might incite aggression in bettas.
As with other plecos, these fish are nocturnal and won’t be active at the same time as your betta. Also, they’re carnivores that eat driftwood, blood worms, and brine shrimp.
Pitbull Pleco
Although Pitbull plecos tend to be shy, they make great additions to any tank. They are active at night, and their small size is perfect for some people’s tanks.
However, if you plan on keeping them, you should know that they do best in groups of three or six fish. So, if you have a group of six Pitbull plecos, they will need a 30-gallon tank to stay healthy and thrive.
When scared, these plecos will burrow into the sand at the bottom of their tank rather than hide under an object like other plecos. In addition to plants, they eat bloodworms, and you can supplement their diet with algae wafers and shrimp pellets.
What Types of Plecos Should I Not Keep with Bettas?
Common Pleco
Common plecos grow to around 15 inches, but some can reach up to 24 inches. Because of their size, they will quickly outgrow a betta tank and need to be moved to a larger tank that can handle their size.
They tend to become more territorial and aggressive as they mature. In addition, they can be tricky to care for due to their dietary needs.
Royal Pleco
The average Royal pleco grows to be 16-17 inches long, but some, such as the Black Royal pleco, can reach up to 24 inches. They require a 125-gallon aquarium to accommodate their size, making them inappropriate for most of the smaller tanks common among aquarists who house plecos.
Leopard Cactus Pleco
As their names suggest, these plecos are yellowish and brown and covered in black spots. They grow to about 9 inches and prefer an open space at the bottom of the tank instead of a planted one.
These characteristics may pose a problem for betta fish, which prefer the open spaces of live plants in the tank.
How to Set up Betta and Pleco Community Tank
Provide Them with the Proper Tank Size
When determining the size of your dual species community tank, consider how many fish you want. Typically, these guys require 10-15 gallons each.
If you only want to keep a single male betta fish and one Bristlenose pleco, then a 20-gallon tank will suffice. However, if you have aspirations of housing a female betta sorority of five bettas plus one or two plecos, you’ll need an aquarium with at least 30 gallons of capacity.
Add Live Plants, Substrate, and Decor
Having an adequate-sized aquarium is critical for your fish, but that’s not all. You must also add a substrate and live plants to make the environment more pleasing for your pleco and betta fish.
Both of these fish prefer a tank substrate of fine gravel or sand, as well as live plants such as the Amazon Sword, Java Fern, Hornwort, Marimo Moss Ball, and Pygmy Chain Sword Plant. Also, they like to hide and explore dark areas, so you should definitely provide them with rock caves and pieces of driftwood.
Invest in High-Quality Tank Equipment
If you want your fish to be healthy and comfortable, you will need to invest in some tank additions. Your aquarium should have an adjustable heater, as the pleco and the betta do best in warm water.
Also, you’ll need a reliable filter with enough power to clean the water for two active fish. Further, ensure that you have an air pump and air stone to create a current in the water and ensure proper oxygenation. This will help keep your fish healthy and happy and bring out their natural colors!
Lastly, you should consider purchasing LED tank lights to help manage the light your fish receive without hikes in temperatures.
Perform Regular Water Changes
Although bettas and plecos don’t produce large quantities of waste, you should still change out 10-20% of their water each week and up to 50% monthly. This can help keep your tank clean and make sure your fish have the best environment to thrive.
To ensure high water quality, you can consider adding a water conditioner such as Seachem Prime, which can help detoxify harmful chemicals and remove ammonia.
Also, you can purchase a water quality test kit, such as API Freshwater Master Test Kit, so you can monitor the health of your tank and detect any potential problems before they can affect your fish.
Provide Them With High-Quality Food
To keep your fish healthy, you must feed them high-quality pellets and flakes, as well as fresh vegetables, fruits, and protein sources.
Their dietary needs will differ depending on the type of fish you have. For example, bettas need more protein than plecos. You can feed them frozen shrimp or bloodworms cut up into small pieces to give them the extra protein they need.
In contrast, your pleco would rather eat algae or scavenge the bottom of the tank for food scraps. Also, it will enjoy shrimp, bloodworms, earthworms, leafy greens, and cucumber pieces.
FAQs
How to Introduce Your Pleco to a Betta Tank?
To acclimate the pleco to your betta tank, gradually introduce it by placing a small net or mesh bag in the tank and leaving it there for a few hours. This will allow the fish to become familiar with each other before they are fully introduced.
Once your pleco has started exploring its new home, you can slowly add the betta fish to the tank. You can do this by placing your pleco in a different corner and acclimating the betta in small increments.
Finally, once you are sure that both fish have fully adjusted to each other, you should monitor their behavior for any signs of aggression or stress.
Can Other Tank Mates Live with Plecos and Bettas?
Many different kinds of fish can be good companions for plecos and bettas. Some of the best choices include Cory Catfish, Glass Catfish, Otocinclus Catfish, Kuhli Loach, and Yoyo Loach.
You can also add various types of shrimp, such as Ghost Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, or Cherry Shrimp. Other fish keepers have had success raising their plecos and bettas with Nerite Snails and schooling fish like Neon Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, and White Cloud Mountain Minnows.
Last Words
Phew! We hope that this guide has helped you answer the question, “Can a plecostomus and betta fish live together?” Whether you’re planning on adding a pleco to your betta tank or are simply curious about these fascinating fish, we wish you the best of luck!
Do you still have questions about whether or not these fish can live together? If so, you can contact us anytime, and we will be happy to help you make the right choice for your tank.
