Can Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Butterfly Pleco (L168) Live Together?
Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Butterfly Pleco (L168) are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Butterfly Pleco (L168)?
Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.
Shared setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Behaviour & Temperament
Both Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Butterfly Pleco (L168) are peaceful species with an aggression score of 2/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.
In terms of spatial distribution, Ajamaru Rainbowfish prefers the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) zones, whereas Butterfly Pleco (L168) occupies the Bottom (Substrate) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.
Worth noting: Butterfly Pleco (L168) is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Ajamaru Rainbowfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 25°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.5°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Ajamaru Rainbowfish (7.2–8.5) and Butterfly Pleco (L168) (5.5–7) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Tank Setup
To house Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Butterfly Pleco (L168) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 150 litres with a minimum length of 90 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.
Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.
Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Butterfly Pleco (L168).
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
Show 9 more tank sizes
Feeding products to consider
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Butterfly Pleco (L168) live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Butterfly Pleco (L168) need?
A minimum of 150 litres (tank length at least 90 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.
What water temperature is best for Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Butterfly Pleco (L168) together?
Keep the aquarium between 25°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Ajamaru Rainbowfish or Butterfly Pleco (L168) aggressive?
Ajamaru Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Butterfly Pleco (L168) is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Butterfly Pleco (L168) need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Ajamaru Rainbowfish prefers 7.2–8.5, while Butterfly Pleco (L168) needs 5.5–7. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
How do I manage Butterfly Pleco (L168)'s territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Butterfly Pleco (L168) space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.
Does Butterfly Pleco (L168) being nocturnal affect compatibility?
Butterfly Pleco (L168) is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Butterfly Pleco (L168) during evening hours.
Related Comparisons
Ajamaru Rainbowfish & Allen's Rainbowfish
·
Ajamaru Rainbowfish & Angfa Rainbowfish
·
Ajamaru Rainbowfish & Axelrod's Rainbowfish
·
Ajamaru Rainbowfish & Barred Rainbowfish
·
Ajamaru Rainbowfish & Batanta Rainbowfish
·
Ajamaru Rainbowfish & Bleher's Rainbowfish
·
Butterfly Pleco (L168) & Angelicus Pleco L073
·
Butterfly Pleco (L168) & Zebra Pleco (L046)
·
Butterfly Pleco (L168) & Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish)
·
Butterfly Pleco (L168) & Adolfo Cory
·
Butterfly Pleco (L168) & Agassiz Cory
·
Butterfly Pleco (L168) & Alligator Pleco
·