Can rainbow sharks live with clown plecos?

Verdict
Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Rainbow sharks and clown plecos can share a tank, but watch one thing. Rainbow sharks chase other bottom fish out of their patch.

Rainbow sharkRainbow shark72–80°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Clown plecoClown pleco73–82°F · pH 6.5–7.5

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 73–80°Rainbow shark 72–80°Clown pleco 73–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Rainbow shark 6.5–7.5Clown pleco 6.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Rainbow shark · 6 inClown pleco · 3.5 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"
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

Rainbow sharkClown pleco
Temperature72–80 °F73–82 °F
pH6.5–7.56.5–7.5
Adult size6.0 in3.5 in
Minimum tank55 gal20 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atBottomBottom
GroupOne per tankAlone or in pairs
DietOmnivoreHerbivore

Better tank mates for rainbow sharks

All rainbow shark tank mates

Better tank mates for clown plecos

All clown pleco tank mates

Questions

Can rainbow sharks live with clown plecos?

Yes, with care. Rainbow sharks and clown plecos can share a tank, but watch one thing. Rainbow sharks chase other bottom fish out of their patch.

What temperature suits both rainbow sharks and clown plecos?

73–80 °F. Rainbow sharks need 72–80 °F, clown plecos need 73–82 °F.

What size tank do rainbow sharks and clown plecos need together?

At least 55 gal, set by the rainbow shark. Add space for each extra fish.