Can Butterfly Pleco (L168) and Colombian Shark Catfish (Brackish) Live Together?

Butterfly Pleco (L168) is a peaceful species (2/10), while Colombian Shark Catfish (Brackish) is moderately assertive (5/10). This modest difference means Colombian Shark Catfish (Brackish) may occasionally assert dominance over Butterfly Pleco (L168).

Butterfly Pleco (L168) and Colombian Shark Catfish (Brackish) 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.

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.

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 Butterfly Pleco (L168) (5.5–7) and Colombian Shark Catfish (Brackish) (7.5–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Butterfly Pleco (L168) needs 2–10 dGH while Colombian Shark Catfish (Brackish) requires 12–30 dGH.

Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together.

To house Butterfly Pleco (L168) and Colombian Shark Catfish (Brackish) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 380 litres with a minimum length of 150 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), Sand (Sifters). 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.

Butterfly Pleco (L168) and Colombian Shark Catfish (Brackish) 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.