Can Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) and Red Goldflake Shrimp Live Together?

Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Red Goldflake Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). This modest difference means Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) may occasionally assert dominance over Red Goldflake Shrimp.

Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) and Red Goldflake Shrimp 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: Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 26°C and 29°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) (6–7.4) and Red Goldflake Shrimp (7.5–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) and Red Goldflake Shrimp together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 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: Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Sand (Sifters), Established Algae (Otocinclus). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) prefers High (River/Stream) flow while Red Goldflake Shrimp needs Low (Still Water) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

Leopard Frog Pleco (L134) and Red Goldflake Shrimp 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.