Can crayfish live with plecos?
Verdict
Yes, with care
Yes, with care. Crayfish and plecos can share a tank, but watch one thing. Plecos grow to 15 inches and need 125 gallons, far more than a tank set up for crayfish.
What to watch
- Watch outPlecos grow to 15 inches and need 125 gallons, far more than a tank set up for crayfish.
What works
- Both are fine at 72–77°F.
- pH 6.5–7.5 suits both.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Crayfish | Common pleco | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 65–77 °F | 72–86 °F |
| pH | 6.5–8 | 6.5–7.5 |
| Adult size | 5.0 in | 15.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 20 gal | 125 gal |
| Temperament | Aggressive | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Bottom | Bottom |
| Group | One per tank | Alone or in pairs |
| Diet | Omnivore | Herbivore |
Better tank mates for crayfish
Better tank mates for plecos
Questions
Can crayfish live with plecos?
Yes, with care. Crayfish and plecos can share a tank, but watch one thing. Plecos grow to 15 inches and need 125 gallons, far more than a tank set up for crayfish.
What temperature suits both crayfish and plecos?
72–77 °F. Crayfish need 65–77 °F, plecos need 72–86 °F.
What size tank do crayfish and plecos need together?
At least 125 gal, set by the common pleco. Add space for each extra fish.