Can Chocolate Gourami live with Common Pleco?
Caution — with care
Why
- Very different sizes (Common Pleco 24" vs Chocolate Gourami 2") — these two need different tanks, and the smaller fish will be out-competed at feeding time.
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 5–5 dGH.
Sweet spot: both do well at 78–82°F and pH 6–6.5 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Chocolate Gourami | Common Pleco | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 78–86°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 4–6.5 | 6–8 |
| Hardness (GH) | 0–5 dGH | 5–20 dGH |
| Adult size | 2" | 24" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 15 gal | 150 gal |
Together, plan on at least 150 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
Sort it with: A larger tank · GH remineraliser
Design the whole tank, not just the stocking
Skapelab plans a complete, buildable planted aquarium around your fish — a hand-illustrated layout, the exact plants and hardscape, a placement map, and a full equipment and shopping list. Free.
Design a tank with Chocolate Gourami, Common Pleco →Everything compatible with Chocolate Gourami · …with Common Pleco