Can Angelicus Pleco L073 and Butterfly Pleco (L168) Live Together?
Yes, Angelicus Pleco L073 and Butterfly Pleco (L168) are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 115 litres is recommended.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle Angelicus Pleco L073 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
Angelicus Pleco L073 is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Butterfly Pleco (L168) is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Angelicus Pleco L073 may occasionally assert dominance over Butterfly Pleco (L168).
Angelicus Pleco L073 and Butterfly Pleco (L168) 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 5.5 and 7. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 2–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Tank Setup
To house Angelicus Pleco L073 and Butterfly Pleco (L168) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 115 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.
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: Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Both species do well with high (river/stream) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Angelicus Pleco L073 and Butterfly Pleco (L168).
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
Show 10 more tank sizes
Feeding products to consider
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Angelicus Pleco L073 and Butterfly Pleco (L168) live together?
Yes. Angelicus Pleco L073 and Butterfly Pleco (L168) are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.
What size tank do Angelicus Pleco L073 and Butterfly Pleco (L168) need?
A minimum of 115 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 Butterfly Pleco (L168) 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 Butterfly Pleco (L168) aggressive?
Angelicus Pleco L073 is generally mild-mannered (3/10) and Butterfly Pleco (L168) is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Angelicus Pleco L073 and Butterfly Pleco (L168) need?
Both species overlap in the 5.5–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
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 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.
Related Comparisons
Angelicus Pleco L073 & Royal Pleco (L190)
·
Angelicus Pleco L073 & Zebra Pleco (L046)
·
Angelicus Pleco L073 & Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish)
·
Angelicus Pleco L073 & Adolfo Cory
·
Angelicus Pleco L073 & Alligator Pleco
·
Angelicus Pleco L073 & Asher Cory
·
Butterfly Pleco (L168) & Agassiz Cory
·
Butterfly Pleco (L168) & Bandit Cory
·
Butterfly Pleco (L168) & Banjo Catfish
·
Butterfly Pleco (L168) & Black Corydoras
·
Butterfly Pleco (L168) & Black Fin Cory
·
Butterfly Pleco (L168) & Bristlenose Pleco
·