Can Royal Pleco live with Yucatan Molly?
Caution — with care
Why
- Only a narrow pH overlap — keep both around 7.5.
- Large size gap (Royal Pleco 17" vs Yucatan Molly 6") — the bigger fish may eat the smaller one as they grow.
- No overlapping water hardness: Royal Pleco wants 4–12 dGH but Yucatan Molly wants 15–30 dGH.
Sweet spot: both do well at 73–82°F and pH 7.5–7.5 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Royal Pleco | Yucatan Molly | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–82°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 7.5–8.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 4–12 dGH | 15–30 dGH |
| Adult size | 17" | 6" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 120 gal | 40 gal |
Together, plan on at least 120 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
- Royal Pleco: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Yucatan Molly: 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 Royal Pleco · …with Yucatan Molly