Can bristlenose plecos live with mollies?

Verdict

Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Bristlenose plecos and mollies can share a tank, but watch one thing. Water chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.5.

Bristlenose pleco73–81°F · pH 6.5–7.5

Molly72–82°F · pH 7.5–8.5

What to watch

Watch outWater chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.5.

What works

Both are fine at 73–81°F.
They use different parts of the tank: bristlenose plecos the bottom, mollies the top.

Water side by side

The green band is the temperature range both can live in.

The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

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

	Bristlenose pleco	Molly
Temperature	73–81 °F	72–82 °F
pH	6.5–7.5	7.5–8.5
Adult size	5.0 in	4.0 in
Minimum tank	30 gal	20 gal
Temperament	Peaceful	Peaceful
Swims at	Bottom	Top
Group	Alone or in pairs	Groups of 3+
Diet	Herbivore	Omnivore

Better tank mates for bristlenose plecos

All bristlenose pleco tank mates

Better tank mates for mollies

All molly tank mates

Questions

Can bristlenose plecos live with mollies?

Yes, with care. Bristlenose plecos and mollies can share a tank, but watch one thing. Water chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.5.

What temperature suits both bristlenose plecos and mollies?

73–81 °F. Bristlenose plecos need 73–81 °F, mollies need 72–82 °F.

What size tank do bristlenose plecos and mollies need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the bristlenose pleco. Add space for each extra fish.