In this article, we will understand the relationship between Betta fish and Zebra pleco. Additionally, we will learn more about their needs and determine if they can coexist in a communal tank.
Can Zebra pleco live together with betta fish?
Yes, Zebra Pleco and Betta may co-exist in the same aquarium. The zebra pleco is a creature at the bottom of the tank. The fact that plecos are bottom dwellers is one of the reasons they’re suitable tank mates for Bettas. This implies that they’ll never come into contact with each other since they spend most of their time at the top or middle of the tank.
Bettas might get hostile when other fish are encroaching on their personal space.
So now there’s one less thing to worry about when it comes to keeping a pleco.
Betta fish
Betta splendens is only found in Southeast Asia. Due to their battles with other males of the same species, these fish became well-known. Standing water environments like rice fields, floodplains, and canals are where you will find betta fish across Asia, including Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Intentionally developed to exhibit a wide range of colors and patterns, this species also boasts a wide range of tail shapes. Betta’s popularity may be attributed to these traits.
Behavior
One of the most aggressive and territorial fish in the world is the Betta splendens. A mirror outside the tank and a mirror of their image may be used to observe their antagonistic behavior. When two males engage in a combative duel, one of them is forced to retreat or both are killed. As a consequence, it is not advisable to have two males in the same tank.
As the two males swim together, they expand their operculum and unfurl their tails to attack the opponent by shredding the fins and inflicting serious injuries, which typically weaken the fish and lead to its death from disease.
When a male decides to give up on a fight because he realizes his opponent is significantly more powerful, the exhausted Betta will rapidly show its stress lines and leave the fight.
Females also defend their territory, although they are less aggressive in their battles for dominance. As a result of their unique situation, their fights are limited to bites and beautiful dances similar to those performed by men before their last assault on the battlefield.
Bettas are territorial and aggressive against other males of the same species, although they may be housed peacefully in community aquariums with other fish. Females tend to live peacefully together in community aquariums.
Water requirements
Many people are under the impression that Betta fish need a small aquarium. Small plastic containers containing Betta fish are often sold at pet shops, and they are often placed adjacent to smaller aquariums of one- and two-gallon capacity. People who aren’t well-informed on Betta fish tend to think they can and should live in small tanks. Betta fish need the same amount of space as any other species, and a tank of no less than 5 gallons is not recommended.
Make sure that the water in the tank is kept at a temperature of 75 to 80 degrees F. In colder water, Betta fish may succumb to sickness due to a weakened immune system. They may get irritated and their aging process may speed up because of the elevated metabolic rate. The temperature should be maintained by using a heater. Between 6.5 and 8 is the ideal PH range for your water. At least once a week, the water should be changed to maintain the fish healthy.
Zebra Pleco
Zebra pleco is found in the Xingu River, a tributary of the Amazon that is endemic to Brazil.
In spite of their location in the Xingu river’s Big Bend region, Zebra Plecos are in decline owing to an enormous decrease in water flow.
When the Belo Monte Dam was erected in the Xingu, the decrease in water flow from the dam proved fatal to the Zebra Plecos, which flourish in a strong stream (we’ll discuss this further when we get to the tank and water conditions).
Behavior
Because Zebra Plecos tend to be more solitary creatures, you won’t see many of them.
Zebra Plecos, despite their timidity and preference to remain out of the way, are fiercely protective of their own. Zebra Plecos are known to be territorial with other fish of the same species. This is particularly true with males. If you house males together, you must keep a close check on them to prevent fighting.
Larger tanks are ideal for groups that include more than one fish. Each fish has its own space and hiding cave, which reduces the likelihood of territorial violence.
Water requirements
High-oxygenated water and a vigorous current are essential for the well-being of your Zebra Plecos. Zebra Plecos are tolerant of a broad variety of water conditions but prefer somewhat warmer water that is neither overly acidic nor alkaline. The best setting for a zebra pleco is a temperature range of 79°F to 88°F (26.1°C to 31.1°C) and the pH range is between 6.5 and 7.
However, Zebra Plecos are quite sensitive to changes, so keep an eye on the water and test it often.
Another factor to think about is how clean the area is. The Zebra Pleco’s tank must be kept clean at all times. A filthy tank may cause stress, which makes them more vulnerable to sickness. Your Zebra Pleco will live a long and healthy life if it receives regular water changes, cleanliness, and a strong current.
Betta fish and zebra plecos do not share a diet.
Another reason they can get along peacefully is that Bettas eat largely meat, but plecos usually eat plants. When it comes to food, they’re both open-minded and willing to try everything. Nonetheless, they’ll avoid each other’s meals as a general rule.
Consequently, there will be no need to worry about them fighting or being hostile over food.
Betta aggression is not triggered by Zebra pleco.
Introducing tankmates for your betta is one of the most important things you need to keep an eye out for. Your betta will attack a fish that is vividly colored or has long, flowing fins.
Males see any fish that resembles them as a potential danger. Bettas are known as Siamese fighting fish for a reason, as you may already be aware.
Zebra plecos are known for their calm demeanor.
Finally, plecos are known for their kind demeanor. When they’re in a tank with other plecos, though, they may become hostile. There is a certain level of aggression when they are all striving to establish a new area. In theory, they’ll return to their peaceful ways after only one or two incidents.
The one drawback to the zebra pleco
If you want to get a zebra pleco, you’ll need a large aquarium, however, the size will vary by species. Many plecos may be kept in a 55-gallon aquarium without a problem.
The fish require plenty of room to swim even when they aren’t expanding in size. With larger plecos, you’ll need a tank of at least 15 gallons, but this may rapidly rise if you pick a smaller variety.
Zebra plecos and betta fish in the same tank: water conditions
They prefer an acidic rather than alkaline pH for their tanks. The pH range for a zebra pleco is 6-7.5, however, if you have to choose one, go with a more acidic solution since bettas love it as well. For the temperature, you’ll need to be more accurate.
As long as the temperature is between 76 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the zebra pleco and betta will be happy. If you can maintain a temperature of 80°F in your tank, both fish will be content.
Conclusion
In this post, we learned about Betta fish and Zebra plecos interaction. We also outlined their needs and how they may be accommodated in a communal tank.
Please let us know if you have any questions in the comments section below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Can Zebra pleco live together with betta fish?
Are betta fish and Zebra plecos compatible?
Keeping a zebra pleco and betta in the same tank is a common and successful arrangement. It’s usually a good idea to think about your betta’s personality before making a decision. Avoid introducing any fish to the tank with him if you know he’s violent.
Zebra plecos coexist with what other fish?
the following are some zebra plecos tankmates: Cardinal Tetra., Rasbora Harlequin,
Tetra phantoms, Apistogramma, The Denison Barbs, Ornithocinclus zebra, Guppies, Cherry Shrimp.
Can Zebra pleco be alone?
Single-species tanks are excellent for zebra plecos, since they may thrive without any other fish to compete with. Any additional activity or competition might force your zebra to hide even more and cease acquiring the food it needs, making it less likely to survive.
What do the zebra Plecos eat?
They are indeed omnivorous, which means that they will consume both meat and some vegetative things, but they won’t eat your plants!
References
Zebra Pleco 101: Care, Size, Breeding & More! https://www.aquariumsource.com/zebra-pleco/
The Complete Guide to Zebra Pleco Care https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/zebra-pleco/#h24
Can A Plecostomus And Betta Live Together? https://www.bettacarefishguide.com/can-a-plecostomus-and-betta-live-together/
