Can Butterfly Pleco (L168) and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) Live Together?
Butterfly Pleco (L168) and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) 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 Butterfly Pleco (L168) and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi)?
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
Butterfly Pleco (L168) is a peaceful species (2/10), while Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) is peaceful (0/10). This modest difference means Butterfly Pleco (L168) may occasionally assert dominance over Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi).
Butterfly Pleco (L168) and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) 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: Butterfly Pleco (L168) 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.
The pH requirements of Butterfly Pleco (L168) (5.5–7) and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) (7.5–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Tank Setup
To house Butterfly Pleco (L168) and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Sand (Sifters). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Butterfly Pleco (L168) prefers High (River/Stream) flow while Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) needs Low (Still Water) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.
Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice
Butterfly Pleco (L168) and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) 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 Butterfly Pleco (L168) and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi).
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
Show 10 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Butterfly Pleco (L168) and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Butterfly Pleco (L168) and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) 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 Butterfly Pleco (L168) and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) 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 Butterfly Pleco (L168) or Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) aggressive?
Butterfly Pleco (L168) is peaceful (2/10) and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) is peaceful (0/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Butterfly Pleco (L168) and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Butterfly Pleco (L168) prefers 5.5–7, while Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) needs 7.5–8.5. 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.
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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
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