๐Ÿ  Fish Compatibility Guide

Can Clown Pleco and Ember Tetra Live Together?

Updated September 23, 2026 ยท FishCare AI Editorial Team

โœ… Compatible โ€” Compatibility Score: 77/100
77/100 โ€” Compatible

Clown Pleco and Ember Tetra Compatibility Overview

Clown Pleco and Ember Tetra can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Both species are peaceful, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 55-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.

Compatibility factors for Clown Pleco and Ember Tetra
FactorClown PlecoEmber TetraVerdict
Temperature73โ€“82ยฐF73โ€“84ยฐFโœ… 73โ€“82ยฐF
pH Range6.5โ€“7.85.5โ€“7.0โš ๏ธ 6.5โ€“7.0 (narrow)
Temperamentpeacefulpeacefulโœ… Compatible
Adult Size3.5 in0.8 inโŒ 4ร— difference
Min. Group1+8+See below
Min. Tank Size55 gallons (for both species)โ€”

Compatibility Positives

A stable shared temperature range is available.
Temperament risk is relatively low when normal group sizes are maintained.

Caution Points

Their pH ranges overlap only partly, so aim for the shared band and keep it steady.

Species Profiles

Clown Pleco โ€” Panaqolus maccus

Clown Pleco and Ember Tetra compatibility โ€” Clown Pleco

The Clown Pleco is a popular freshwater fish known for its dark brown body with light spots and long, flattened body shape. They are peaceful and make great community fish for beginners. These plecos are moderate in activity level and prefer a tank with plenty of hiding spots.

โ†’ Full Clown Pleco care guide

Ember Tetra โ€” Hyphessobrycon amandae

Clown Pleco and Ember Tetra compatibility โ€” Ember Tetra

Tiny orange-red schooling tetra that is among the most adaptable nano fish. Peaceful with everything too small to eat them.

โ†’ Full Ember Tetra care guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Clown Pleco live with Ember Tetra?

Yes, in a well-planned setup. Clown Pleco and Ember Tetra can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Both species are peaceful, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 55-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.

What tank size do I need for Clown Pleco and Ember Tetra together?

A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for keeping Clown Pleco and Ember Tetra together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.

What temperature suits both Clown Pleco and Ember Tetra?

73โ€“82ยฐF โ€” inside Clown Pleco's 73โ€“82ยฐF and Ember Tetra's 73โ€“84ยฐF.

Is a Clown Pleco aggressive toward a Ember Tetra?

Clown Pleco is peaceful and Ember Tetra is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.

Related Compatibility Guides

Tank Size for Clown Pleco and Ember Tetra

Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.

ScenarioTankWhen it applies
Minimum viable55 galOnly for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring.
Recommended community75 galAdds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior.
Low-conflict setup125 galBest when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure.