Can Spiky Nerite live with Zebra Pleco?
Caution — with care
Why
- Only a narrow temperature overlap — keep both around 79°F.
- No overlapping water hardness: Spiky Nerite wants 8–18 dGH but Zebra Pleco wants 2–6 dGH.
Sweet spot: both do well at 79–79°F and pH 7–7.5 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Spiky Nerite | Zebra Pleco | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 68–79°F | 79–86°F |
| pH | 7–8.5 | 6–7.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 8–18 dGH | 2–6 dGH |
| Adult size | 0.7" | 3.5" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 5 gal | 30 gal |
Together, plan on at least 30 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
Sort it with: An adjustable heater → Chewy GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Spiky Nerite: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Zebra 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 Spiky Nerite · …with Zebra Pleco