Can Congo Tetra Live With Clown Pleco?
Congo Tetra and Clown Pleco are compatible. Temperature overlap 73–82°F. Both peaceful.
Conditions: Minimum 30 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Congo Tetra | Clown Pleco | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–82°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 | 3.5" | 3.5" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 30 gal | 20 gal | 30 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Herbivore/Wood eater | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | beginner | — |
Tank Requirements for Congo Tetra + Clown Pleco
To keep Congo Tetra and Clown Pleco together, you need at minimum a 30 gallon tank. Congo 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
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Congo tetras are the showstoppers of the tetra family. Males develop spectacular flowing fins with an iridescent rainbow sheen that shifts from blue to gold to green under aquarium lighting. They are larger than most tetras (up to 3.5 inches) and need a spacious, well-planted tank to display their full beauty. Peaceful but shy — they thrive with calm tank mates.
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 →