Can Chocolate Gourami live with Blue Phantom Pleco?
Caution — with care
Why
- No overlapping water hardness: Chocolate Gourami wants 0–5 dGH but Blue Phantom Pleco wants 5.5–7 dGH.
- Only a narrow pH overlap — keep both around 6.5–6.5.
- Large size gap (Blue Phantom Pleco 7" vs Chocolate Gourami 2") — watch that the smaller one gets its share at feeding time.
Sweet spot: both do well at 78–82°F and pH 6.5–6.5 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Chocolate Gourami | Blue Phantom Pleco | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 78–86°F | 75–82°F |
| pH | 4–6.5 | 6.5–7.6 |
| Hardness (GH) | 0–5 dGH | 5.5–7 dGH |
| Adult size | 2" | 7" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 15 gal | 55 gal |
Together, plan on at least 55 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser
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Design a tank with Chocolate Gourami, Blue Phantom Pleco →Everything compatible with Chocolate Gourami · …with Blue Phantom Pleco