Can Bristlenose Pleco Live With Cleaner Shrimp (Skunk)?
❌Not Compatible
Incompatible pH. Bristlenose Pleco needs 6.5–7.5, Skunk Cleaner Shrimp needs 8.1–8.4.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Bristlenose Pleco | Cleaner Shrimp (Skunk) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 75–81°F | 75–81°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7.5 | 8.1–8.4 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 5.9" | 2.4" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 20 gal | 20 gal | 20 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Herbivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | beginner | beginner | — |
Species Profiles
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus spp.
beginnerpeaceful20+ gal
The Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus spp.) is a beginner freshwater species known for its brown-gray, light spots coloration. Best algae-eating pleco for most tanks. Bottom and Surfaces.
Full care guide →Cleaner Shrimp (Skunk)
Lysmata amboinensis
beginnerpeaceful20+ gal
The Cleaner Shrimp (Skunk) (Lysmata amboinensis) is a beginner saltwater species known for its red-orange, white dorsal stripe, white antennae coloration. Cleans parasites off fish. Surfaces.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For Bristlenose Pleco:
For Cleaner Shrimp (Skunk):
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