Can Bristlenose Pleco Live With Skunk Cleaner Shrimp?
Incompatible pH. Bristlenose Pleco needs 6.5–7.5, Skunk Cleaner Shrimp needs 8.1–8.4.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Bristlenose Pleco | Skunk Cleaner Shrimp | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 75–82°F | 75–81°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6.5–7.5 | 8.1–8.4 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 5" | 3" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 20 gal | 20 gal | 20 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | beginner | beginner | — |
Species Profiles
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus spp.
The Bristlenose Pleco is the most popular pleco species for home aquariums, and for good reason — they stay small (4–5 inches vs 12–24 inches for common plecos), are excellent algae eaters, and are hardy and easy to care for. Males develop distinctive bristle-like growths on their nose, which is how they get their name.
Full care guide →Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis
Skunk cleaner shrimp are one of the most useful invertebrates in reef tanks. They operate a 'cleaning station' where fish line up to have parasites, dead skin, and debris removed from their bodies and gills. This natural cleaning service helps keep fish healthy and disease-free. They are also strikingly beautiful with their red-and-white striped body and long white antennae.
Full care guide →