Can Angelicus Pleco L073 and Banjo Catfish Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Angelicus Pleco L073 and Banjo Catfish together is possible but requires caution due to mismatched flow preferences. Provide a spacious tank of at least 110 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Angelicus Pleco L073

Hypancistrus sp. L073

Banjo Catfish

Bunocephalus coracoideus

🐟Family Group
Angelicus Pleco L073
Catfish
Banjo Catfish
Catfish
Temperament
Angelicus Pleco L073
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Banjo Catfish
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Angelicus Pleco L073
26–30°C
Banjo Catfish
20–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Angelicus Pleco L073
5.5–7.5
Banjo Catfish
6–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Angelicus Pleco L073
2–15
Banjo Catfish
2–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Angelicus Pleco L073
Freshwater Only
Banjo Catfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✗ No overlap
Angelicus Pleco L073
High
Banjo Catfish
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Angelicus Pleco L073
110 L
Banjo Catfish
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Angelicus Pleco L073
Bottom
Banjo Catfish
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Angelicus Pleco L073
NocturnalShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Banjo Catfish
NocturnalShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Shrimp EaterFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Angelicus Pleco L073 and Banjo Catfish?

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.

Angelicus Pleco L073
Banjo Catfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Angelicus Pleco L073 is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Banjo Catfish is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Angelicus Pleco L073 may occasionally assert dominance over Banjo Catfish.

Angelicus Pleco L073 and Banjo Catfish both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: Angelicus Pleco L073 is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 26°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 2–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Angelicus Pleco L073 and Banjo Catfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 80 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Angelicus Pleco L073 prefers High (River/Stream) flow while Banjo Catfish needs Low (Still Water) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Angelicus Pleco L073 and Banjo Catfish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Angelicus Pleco L073 and Banjo Catfish live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 110 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Angelicus Pleco L073 and Banjo Catfish need?

A minimum of 110 litres (tank length at least 80 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 Angelicus Pleco L073 and Banjo Catfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 26°C and 28°C. A target of around 27.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Angelicus Pleco L073 or Banjo Catfish aggressive?

Angelicus Pleco L073 is generally mild-mannered (3/10) and Banjo Catfish is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Angelicus Pleco L073 and Banjo Catfish need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Angelicus Pleco L073 being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Angelicus Pleco L073 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 Angelicus Pleco L073 during evening hours.


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