Can Black Skirt Tetra Live With Clown Pleco?
Black Skirt Tetra and Clown Pleco are compatible. Temperature overlap 73–82°F. Both peaceful.
Conditions: Minimum 20 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Black Skirt Tetra | Clown Pleco | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 70–82°F | 73–82°F | 73–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7.5 | 6.5–7.5 | 6.5–7.5 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 3" | 3.5" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 15 gal | 20 gal | 20 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Herbivore/Wood eater | — |
| Care Level | beginner | beginner | — |
Tank Requirements for Black Skirt Tetra + Clown Pleco
To keep Black Skirt Tetra and Clown Pleco together, you need at minimum a 20 gallon tank. Black Skirt Tetra should be kept in a school of 6+. Provide adequate filtration, stable temperature with a heater, and hiding spots to reduce stress.
Species Profiles
Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Black skirt tetras (also sold as black widow tetras) are hardy, easy-to-care-for schooling fish with a distinctive flowing black anal fin that gives them their name. They come in natural silver-and-black and various dyed/modified versions (GloFish). The natural form is the healthiest choice. They can be mild fin nippers in small groups but are generally well-behaved community fish.
Full care guide →Clown Pleco
Panaqolus maccus
Clown plecos are beautiful, small plecos with striking orange and black striped patterns. At only 3.5 inches max size, they are perfect for 20-gallon and larger community tanks. Unlike many pleco species, they are primarily wood eaters rather than algae eaters — driftwood is an essential part of their setup. They are shy, nocturnal, and make excellent additions to planted tanks.
Full care guide →