Can Bulolo Rainbowfish and Butterfly Pleco (L168) Live Together?
Bulolo 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 Bulolo 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.
Behaviour & Temperament
Both Bulolo 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, Bulolo Rainbowfish prefers the Middle (Open Water) and Top (Surface) 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, Bulolo 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 Bulolo Rainbowfish (7.5–8.8) 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.
Tank Setup
To house Bulolo Rainbowfish and Butterfly Pleco (L168) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 litres with a minimum length of 120 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), 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.
Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice
Bulolo Rainbowfish and Butterfly Pleco (L168) are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Bulolo Rainbowfish and Butterfly Pleco (L168).
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bulolo 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 Bulolo Rainbowfish and Butterfly Pleco (L168) need?
A minimum of 200 litres (tank length at least 120 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 Bulolo 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 Bulolo Rainbowfish or Butterfly Pleco (L168) aggressive?
Bulolo 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 Bulolo Rainbowfish and Butterfly Pleco (L168) need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Bulolo Rainbowfish prefers 7.5–8.8, 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.
Shared setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 3, 2026
- Last updated
- May 3, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Related Comparisons
Bulolo Rainbowfish & Arfak Rainbowfish
·
Bulolo Rainbowfish & Banded Rainbowfish
·
Bulolo Rainbowfish & Cairns Rainbowfish
·
Bulolo Rainbowfish & Mountain Rainbowfish
·
Bulolo Rainbowfish & Price's Rainbowfish
·
Bulolo Rainbowfish & Silver Rainbowfish
·
Butterfly Pleco (L168) & Angelicus Pleco L073
·
Butterfly Pleco (L168) & Contradens Pleco (Snowball Variant)
·
Butterfly Pleco (L168) & Leopard Frog Pleco (L134)
·
Butterfly Pleco (L168) & Peppermint Pleco
·
Butterfly Pleco (L168) & Zebra Pleco (L046)
·
Butterfly Pleco (L168) & Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish)
·