Can bristlenose plecos and fancy goldfish live together?
No
Bristlenose plecos and fancy goldfish should not share a tank.
Why
- Bristlenose plecos need at least 73°F (23°C), but fancy goldfish should stay at or below 72°F (22°C). No temperature suits both.
- Goldfish are slow, messy, cold-water fish. They do best in a tank with other goldfish.
What each one needs
| Bristlenose pleco | Fancy goldfish | Both | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F (23–27°C) | 65–72°F (18–22°C) | No overlap |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 7.0–8.0 | 7.0–7.5 |
| Minimum tank | 29 gal (110 L) | 20 gal (76 L) | 29 gal (110 L) |
| Keep at least | 1 | 1 | |
| Adult size | 5 in (12.7 cm) | 7 in (17.8 cm) |