Can Chocolate Gourami live with Common Pleco?
Caution — with care
Why
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 5 dGH.
- Large size gap (Chocolate Gourami 2" vs Common Pleco 24") — the bigger fish may eat the smaller one as they grow.
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.
- Add only full-grown adults — never juveniles, which will be eaten.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Chocolate Gourami: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Common 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 Chocolate Gourami · …with Common Pleco