Can Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco) and Least Killifish (Heterandria) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco) and Least Killifish (Heterandria) 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 60 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco)

Parotocinclus jumbo

Least Killifish (Heterandria)

Heterandria formosa

🐠Family Group
Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco)
Catfish
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
Livebearers
Temperament
Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco)
Peaceful (1/10)
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco)
20–26°C
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
18–27°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco)
6–7.5
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
7–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco)
4–15
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
5–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco)
Freshwater Only
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco)
Moderate
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 60 L
Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco)
60 L
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco)
Bottom
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
TopMiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Nocturnal
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco) and Least Killifish (Heterandria)?

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.

Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco)
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco) and Least Killifish (Heterandria) are peaceful species with an aggression score of 1/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco) and Least Killifish (Heterandria) 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: Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco) 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 20°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 23.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco) and Least Killifish (Heterandria) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 60 litres with a minimum length of 60 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: Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. 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.

Why This Pairing Works in Practice

Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco) and Least Killifish (Heterandria) work best when the tank gives each fish enough room to use its preferred level of the aquarium and enough cover to avoid constant visual contact. The score matters, but the real-world success usually comes from matching their pace, keeping water stable, and resisting the urge to crowd the tank just because the pair looks safe on paper.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco) and Least Killifish (Heterandria).

Show 19 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco) and Least Killifish (Heterandria) live together?

Yes. Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco) and Least Killifish (Heterandria) are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco) and Least Killifish (Heterandria) need?

A minimum of 60 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco) and Least Killifish (Heterandria) together?

Keep the aquarium between 20°C and 26°C. A target of around 23.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco) or Least Killifish (Heterandria) aggressive?

Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco) is peaceful (1/10) and Least Killifish (Heterandria) is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco) and Least Killifish (Heterandria) need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco) being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco) 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 Goby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco) during evening hours.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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