Species · Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps

Sailfin pleco: tank size, water and tank mates

FLAG: reaches 38-50 cm and lives 15-20+ years; heavy bioload.

Adult size50 cm (19.7 in)
Minimum tank145 US gal
Temperature23–27 °C (73–81 °F)
pH6.5–7.5
Temperamentpeaceful
Keep in groups ofAlone or pairs
Swimsbottom
Shrimp & snailsCaution

Limit: no more than 1 per tank. Territorial toward other plecos; one per tank unless >140 gal (FKW).

Check a tank with Sailfin pleco

Good tank mates for Sailfin pleco

These species share its temperature range and temperament, with no fin-nipping or predation risk under our rules. Still check your tank size and bioload in the checker.

African butterflyfish · African dwarf frog · Agassiz's dwarf cichlid · Angelfish · Banded archerfish · Banjo catfish · Betta (male) · Black neon tetra · Black phantom tetra · Black ruby barb · Black skirt tetra · Bleeding heart tetra · Bloodfin tetra · Blue acara · Bolivian ram · Bristlenose pleco · Bronze corydoras · Buenos Aires tetra · Bumblebee goby · Celestial pearl danio · Checkerboard barb · Cherry barb · Chili rasbora · Chinese algae eater

Avoid with Sailfin pleco

Common / comet goldfish (temperature) · Convict cichlid (aggression) · Demasoni cichlid (aggression) · Discus (temperature) · Fancy goldfish (temperature) · Jack Dempsey (aggression) · Jewel cichlid (aggression) · Medaka (temperature) · Paradise fish (temperature) · Pea puffer (aggression) · Rosy barb (temperature) · White cloud mountain minnow (temperature)

Sources

Checked 2026-11-09 · confidence: high. These are cautious community guidelines, not guarantees. Not veterinary advice. Report an error.