Can Auratus Cichlid live with Bristlenose Pleco?

Troubleshooting community setups: see the compatibility result using temperature, pH, GH/KH, adult size, behavior, schooling needs, and predator/prey rules.

Quick Summary: Sometimes, but only if the warnings are handled. We evaluated Auratus Cichlid and Bristlenose Pleco for 2 specific conflict codes. Plan for at least 55 gallons.

yellow

Caution, conditional match

Data confidence: high

Verified sources: Mbuna overview

auratus cichlid | bristlenose pleco | auratus cichlid | bristlenose pleco

Observed photo context

Observed aquarium photo examples

These photos show observed aquarium setups for the selected species. They are useful context, but they do not change the compatibility result or replace tank-size, temperament, group-size, and water-parameter checks.

Auratus cichlid near an electric yellow cichlid
Auratus cichlid near an electric yellow cichlid.

Water parameter comparison

Auratus Cichlid temperature72-80F
Bristlenose Pleco temperature72-80F
Auratus Cichlid pH7.5-8.6
Bristlenose Pleco pH6.2-7.8
Auratus Cichlid GH10-20 dGH
Bristlenose Pleco GH4-18 dGH
Minimum tank55 gal
Last updated2026-06-11

Confidence: high. Aggression, predator/prey, shrimp risk, schooling, and tank size rules are evaluated from curated freshwater attributes.

Next steps

Check BioloadCalculate if your tank volume and filtration can support this pairing.Find More Tank MatesSee other compatible species and compare more pairings.Water Parameter CheckConfirm that your tap water matches the selected species.

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