Can oscars live with plecos?
Verdict
Yes
Yes. Oscars and plecos make a good pair. Both are fine at 74–81°F. Plan on at least 125 gal.
Why it works
- Both are fine at 74–81°F.
- pH 6.5–7.5 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: oscars the mid, plecos the bottom.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Oscar | Common pleco | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 74–81 °F | 72–86 °F |
| pH | 6–8 | 6.5–7.5 |
| Adult size | 12.0 in | 15.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 75 gal | 125 gal |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Middle | Bottom |
| Group | Alone or in pairs | Alone or in pairs |
| Diet | Carnivore | Herbivore |
Better tank mates for oscars
Clown loachYes
Black ghost knifeYes
BichirYes
Elephant nose fishYes
Chinese algae eaterYes
Firemouth cichlidYes
Better tank mates for plecos
Questions
Can oscars live with plecos?
Yes. Oscars and plecos make a good pair. Both are fine at 74–81°F. Plan on at least 125 gal.
What temperature suits both oscars and plecos?
74–81 °F. Oscars need 74–81 °F, plecos need 72–86 °F.
What size tank do oscars and plecos need together?
At least 125 gal, set by the common pleco. Add space for each extra fish.