Can bala sharks live with plecos?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, bala sharks and plecos can live together. Both are fine at 72–82°F. Plan on at least 125 gal.

Bala sharkBala shark72–82°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Common plecoCommon pleco72–86°F · pH 6.5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 72–82°Bala shark 72–82°Common pleco 72–86°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Bala shark 6.5–7.5Common pleco 6.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Bala shark · 13 inCommon pleco · 15 in0"2"4"6"8"10"12"14"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

Bala sharkCommon pleco
Temperature72–82 °F72–86 °F
pH6.5–7.56.5–7.5
Adult size13.0 in15.0 in
Minimum tank125 gal125 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleBottom
GroupGroups of 4+Alone or in pairs
DietOmnivoreHerbivore

Better tank mates for bala sharks

All bala shark tank mates

Better tank mates for plecos

All common pleco tank mates

Questions

Can bala sharks live with plecos?

Yes, bala sharks and plecos can live together. Both are fine at 72–82°F. Plan on at least 125 gal.

What temperature suits both bala sharks and plecos?

72–82 °F. Bala sharks need 72–82 °F, plecos need 72–86 °F.

What size tank do bala sharks and plecos need together?

At least 125 gal, set by the bala shark. Add space for each extra fish.