What fish can live with Zebra Pleco?

Zebra Pleco pairs well with Rummynose Tetra, Fancy Guppy, Platy, Swordtail, Male Betta, Dwarf Gourami. Compatibility depends on tank size, water parameters, and stocking density; the full list on this page ranks every checked pairing.

Species Profile

Zebra Pleco

Hypancistrus zebra

Plecospeaceful

Adult size

3.5″

Minimum tank

30 gal

Temperature

78–86°F

6–7.4

Schooling

Solitary OK

Water level

bottom

Grows from juvenile

Typically sold at ~1.5″ and reaches 3.5″ over ~2 years. Plan tank size for the adult, not the fish at purchase.

Diet

Sinking carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms, shrimp

Notes

Striking black-and-white striped pleco from Brazil's Rio Xingu, critically endangered in the wild due to the Belo Monte Dam. Buy captive-bred only. Carnivore, not an algae eater; feed bloodworms and protein-heavy foods.

Compatible Tankmates

Best tank mates for Zebra Pleco

Every species below passes the compatibility engine when paired with Zebra Plecoin a suitably sized tank. Verdicts come from the same rules the builder uses — click a card to see that species' own care profile and its tank mates in turn.