Can Kribensis live with Royal Pleco?
Caution — with care
Why
- Kribensis is semi-aggressive and may bully the peaceful Royal Pleco — give lots of space and cover.
- Large size gap (Kribensis 3.5" vs Royal Pleco 17") — the bigger fish may eat the smaller one as they grow.
Sweet spot: both do well at 75–82°F and pH 6.5–7.5 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Kribensis | Royal Pleco | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–82°F | 73–82°F |
| pH | 6–7.8 | 6.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 5–19 dGH | 4–12 dGH |
| Adult size | 3.5" | 17" |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 20 gal | 120 gal |
Together, plan on at least 120 gallons.
How to make it work
- Use a larger, well-decorated tank with sightline breaks, keep everyone well-fed, and add the calmer fish first.
- Add only full-grown adults — never juveniles, which will be eaten.
Where to buy
- Kribensis: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Royal 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 Kribensis · …with Royal Pleco