Can Thick-lipped Gourami live with Royal Pleco?
Caution — with care
Why
- Very different sizes (Royal Pleco 17" vs Thick-lipped Gourami 3.5") — 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 6–7.5 dGH.
Sweet spot: both do well at 73–82°F and pH 6.5–7.5 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Thick-lipped Gourami | Royal Pleco | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82°F | 73–82°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.6 | 6.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 6–7.5 dGH | 4–12 dGH |
| Adult size | 3.5" | 17" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 30 gal | 120 gal |
Together, plan on at least 120 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
Sort it with: A larger tank · GH remineraliser
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Design a tank with Thick-lipped Gourami, Royal Pleco →Everything compatible with Thick-lipped Gourami · …with Royal Pleco