Plecos and Endler guppies are two popular fish species that can make great tank mates. If you’re considering adding both of these fish to your aquarium, you might be wondering if they are compatible.
The good news is that plecos and Endler guppies can indeed be kept together and get along well in most cases.
One reason why these two types of fish can coexist peacefully is because they occupy different parts of the tank.
Endler guppies are surface dwellers and tend to spend most of their time near the top of the water, where they can easily snatch up bits of food that fall from above.
Plecos, on the other hand, are bottom dwellers and prefer to hide in caves or other shadowy areas. This separation of space can help prevent any potential territorial conflicts between the two species.
Plecos also tend to feel safer when they see other fish swimming above them. This is because, in the wild, the presence of other fish can serve as an early warning system for potential predators or other threats.
When a pleco sees Endler guppies swimming around above it, it can take this as a sign that there is no danger present and feel more at ease.
Another advantage of keeping plecos and Endler guppies together is that it allows for more efficient use of tank space.
Both of these fish have their own preferred areas within the aquarium, and by keeping them together, you can make use of more of the available space.
This can be especially beneficial if you have a smaller tank and need to maximize the number of fish you can keep.
Will plecos eat Endler guppies?
Plecos are a popular species of fish that are often kept in home aquariums.
One of the things that make plecos such a popular choice for aquariums is their friendly nature. They are generally peaceful fish that do not actively hunt or prey on other fish.
This means that you don’t have to worry about your pleco causing harm to other fish in your tank, including Endler guppies.
In fact, plecos are scavenger fish, which means they look for easy food that is already dead or easy to obtain. They are similar to vultures or hyenas in this way.
However, you may see your pleco eating a fish in your tank. If this happens, it is likely that the fish was already dead or died of other causes.
Plecos do not have the body structure or hunting skills to prey on live fish, so there is no need to worry even if they wanted to hunt your Endler guppies (which they don’t).
Do plecos eat Endler guppy fry or Endler guppy babies?
If you own a pleco and have an Endler guppy fry in your tank, you may be worried about the safety of your small and vulnerable fish.
Some people worry that their pleco will try to eat their Endler guppy fry, due to the size difference and a common saying about fish will eating anything that fits in their mouth.
But the reality is that plecos generally have no interest in eating Endler guppy fry or babies. They are not prone to hunting and chasing small prey, and would rather stick to a diet of algae and other vegetative matter.
It’s possible that a pleco may accidentally ingest an Endler guppy fry while grazing on algae, but this is unlikely and not a common occurrence.
So, if you’re concerned about your pleco eating your Endler guppy fry, rest assured that it is highly unlikely.
The bigger threat to Endler’s guppy fry is actually their own parents. Endler guppies are known to eat their own babies, especially if they are not well-fed or if there are too many babies in the tank.
Endler guppies do not have any parental instincts and do not take care of their young in the same way that some other fish species do.
To keep your Endler guppy fry safe, it’s important to monitor the tank and make sure that the adults are well-fed and not starving.
You should also consider separating the Endler guppy fry from the adults if you are concerned about them being eaten.
This can be done by setting up a separate tank or by using a breeding net within the main tank.
Do plecos attack Endler guppies?
While plecos are generally peaceful, they are also territorial, especially males. This means that they may defend their preferred hiding spots, such as caves or decorations, from other fish.
This behavior is natural and not aggressive, but it’s important to provide plenty of hiding places in your tank so that all of your fish have a place to retreat to if needed.
Plecos are cave dwellers, so they tend to seek out tight spaces for shelter. Providing ample hiding places for your plecos can help reduce any territorial behavior and create a more harmonious environment for all of your fish.
It’s important to note that plecos will not go out of their way to attack or bully other fish, such as Endler guppies. They are generally peaceful and will coexist peacefully with other fish as long as their territorial needs are met.
However, if you notice any aggressive behavior or bullying, it’s important to address the issue and make any necessary changes to the tank set up to ensure the well-being of all of your fish.
Tips for keeping Endler guppies
-Endler guppies can be extremely hardy fish but with new cool strains and types, their genetics aren’t as strong as they used to be 10-15 years ago. Take good care of your Endler guppies.
-Endler guppies in the wild have a heavy protein diet so you should try to copy this in your tank. When picking out a protein based food look for foods that have a specific protein like bugs or a specific fish. If fish meal is the first ingredient then it’s likely a low grade food.
-Endler guppies are happiest in a clean tank. To achieve this it is suggested to do frequent water changes. I would suggest 25% weekly.
-Endler guppies are susceptible to fin rot and ich. Endler guppies have a much lower chance of getting these diseases if they live in a warm tank. I would suggest keeping the tank temperature above 75 degrees Fahrenheit but below 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Plecos and Endler guppies are great fish tank companions. Plecos will not eat your Endler guppies, their fry, or babies. This peaceful fish is one of my favorites and I hope to see it in your tanks with your Endler guppies.
