Can Auratus Cichlid and Bristlenose Pleco live together?

Auratus Cichlid and Bristlenose Pleco are possible with care. The comparison on this page runs the same compatibility engine as the tank builder, checking temperature and pH overlap, predation by size, temperament, and known hard-pair conflicts.

Species Comparison

Auratus Cichlid vs Bristlenose Pleco

Auratus Cichlid

Melanochromis auratus

Bristlenose Pleco

Ancistrus sp.

Verdict:Possible with care

Side-by-side specs

Cichlids

Family

Plecos

4.5″

Adult size

5″

75gal

Min tank

30gal

75–82°F

Temperature

73–81°F

7.8–8.6

6.5–7.5

aggressive

Temperament

peaceful

Solitary

Schooling

Solitary

mid

Water level

bottom

Compatibility notes

warnAuratus Cichlid prefers pH 7.8–8.6, Bristlenose Pleco prefers 6.5–7.5 — water chemistry mismatch.

Try both in the builder →Compare different species