Can Black Skirt Tetra live with Colombian Zebra Pleco?
Caution — with care
Why
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 6–7.5 dGH.
- Black Skirt Tetra is semi-aggressive and may bully the peaceful Colombian Zebra Pleco — give lots of space and cover.
Sweet spot: both do well at 77–82°F and pH 6.5–7.5 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Black Skirt Tetra | Colombian Zebra Pleco | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 70–82°F | 77–82°F |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 6.5–7.6 |
| Hardness (GH) | 3–15 dGH | 6–7.5 dGH |
| Adult size | 2.5" | 3.5" |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 20 gal | 30 gal |
Together, plan on at least 30 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.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Black Skirt Tetra: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Colombian Zebra 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 Colombian Zebra Pleco