Can Frontosa and Royal Pleco (L190) Live Together?

Both Frontosa and Royal Pleco (L190) are moderately assertive species with an aggression score of 5/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Frontosa and Royal Pleco (L190) 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: Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks.

Worth noting: Royal Pleco (L190) is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Frontosa (8–9) and Royal Pleco (L190) (6.5–7.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 12–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

To house Frontosa and Royal Pleco (L190) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 570 litres with a minimum length of 180 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

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: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.