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Common pleco

Freshwater Advanced Peaceful

Common pleco grows to about 17.7 in and needs a tank of at least 119 US gal. Here's how to keep it healthy and what it lives well with.

Quick facts

Water type
Freshwater
Group
Catfish & loaches
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperament
Peaceful
Swims
Bottom
Adult size
17.7 in
Minimum tank
119 US gal
Min swim length
70.9 in
Group size
Fine on its own

Water parameters

Temperature
72–82 °F
pH
6.5–7.5
Hardness
5–20 dGH

Tank & care

Common pleco doesn't need a group and can be kept singly; choose tankmates to suit its temperament.

Give it at least 70.9 in of swimming length and hold the water around 72–82 °F. Match any new species to these ranges before adding them.

Plan a tank with this fish

Use the stocking calculator to see how many Common pleco your tank can hold and whether your planned tankmates are compatible — it's anchored to your net water volume and footprint.

Open the stocking calculator Calculate tank volume

Figures are conservative hobby-consensus estimates for planning. Individual fish vary — always research a species and watch how yours behave.

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