Can Candy Striped Pleco live with Red Claw Crab?
Not recommended
Why
- Red Claw Crab hunts along the bottom and will catch the bottom-dwelling Candy Striped Pleco, especially at night.
- No overlapping water hardness: Candy Striped Pleco wants 4–12 dGH but Red Claw Crab wants 15–25 dGH.
- Only a narrow pH overlap — keep both around 7.5–7.5.
Side-by-side
| Candy Striped Pleco | Red Claw Crab | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–82°F | 75–82°F |
| pH | 6–7.5 | 7.5–8.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 4–12 dGH | 15–25 dGH |
| Adult size | 4" | 2.5" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Semi-aggressive |
| Min tank | 30 gal | 15 gal |
Together, plan on at least 30 gallons.
Compatible alternatives
Instead of Candy Striped Pleco (to keep Red Claw Crab):
- Black Molly — 4", peaceful
- Brilliant Rasbora — 4", peaceful
- Clown Rasbora — 4", peaceful
Instead of Red Claw Crab (to keep Candy Striped Pleco):
- Thai Micro Pom Pom Crab — 0.8", peaceful
- Thai Micro Crab — 0.4", peaceful
- Pom Pom Crab — 1", semi-aggressive
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Design a tank with Candy Striped Pleco, Red Claw Crab →Everything compatible with Candy Striped Pleco · …with Red Claw Crab