Can Black Skirt Tetra live with King Tiger Pleco?
Caution — with care
Why
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 5.5–7 dGH.
- Black Skirt Tetra is semi-aggressive and may bully the peaceful King Tiger Pleco — give lots of space and cover.
- Black Skirt Tetra is a fin-nipper and will shred the long/flowing fins of King Tiger Pleco.
Sweet spot: both do well at 79–82°F and pH 6.5–7.5 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Black Skirt Tetra | King Tiger Pleco | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 70–82°F | 79–86°F |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 6.5–7.6 |
| Hardness (GH) | 3–15 dGH | 5.5–7 dGH |
| Adult size | 2.5" | 6" |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 20 gal | 55 gal |
Together, plan on at least 55 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
- Use a larger, well-decorated tank with sightline breaks, keep everyone well-fed, and add the calmer fish first.
- Keep the nipper in a bigger group (8+) to spread out the nipping, and avoid long-finned tankmates.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Black Skirt Tetra: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- King Tiger Pleco: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Live-animal shipping: add a heat pack below 50°F, expect weather holds above 90°F, and schedule delivery for a moderate week when someone can receive it promptly.
Build a full tank around this stocking →Everything compatible with Black Skirt Tetra · …with King Tiger Pleco