Keeping Common Plecs And Gibbis Together?

[fluttermoth]

Simple question; does it work?

I'm looking at rescuing/rehoming some fish into my 5'x2'x2'; I already have a gibbi in there, could I take on a common, or is it too risky?

 

[catfish4ever]

Don't see why not, as long as there is adequate shelter for both

 

[fluttermoth]

I've always been told it's not a good idea, as they can be very territorial.

Is it something you've actually done, or are you just guessing?

(Hope that doesn't come across as rude! I honestly didn't mean it to be!)

 

[catfish4ever]

I've always been told it's not a good idea, as they can be very territorial.

Is it something you've actually done, or are you just guessing?

(Hope that doesn't come across as rude! I honestly didn't mean it to be!)

 
I actually have kept both a common and a gibbicep pleco together, they were quick to establish thier territory and from there just seemed to lounge around all day honestly, i think it would be fine, theyre peaceful fish in general anyways, Cant see where you can go wrong with a huge 5x2x2 tank anyways, if my calculations and general knowledge is in check 5x2x2 is 124 UK gallons, more than enough room in my opinion, being you have adequate bogwood and shelter for them both

 

[fluttermoth]

Okay, thanks for the input

 

[star4]

You may or may not remember, but a few years ago I rescued a common and Gibby, both in terrible condition. They had lived together in a 3ft tank for 10 years. I eventually had them both in a rio 400, they got on brilliantly for a couple of years until Jethro (the common) grew larger than Gibbs. One day I heard an awful splashing in the front room. I found Jethro swimming round after Gibbs and side swiping him, it was relentless, poor Gibbs was on his side at one point, Jethro having managed to turn him over and was trying to swipe his pectoral fin into Gibb's belly. I had no choice but to separate them, it was one of the worse fish fights I had ever seen.
 
So yes they can live together, but there is a chance they may fight - bare in mind though mine did not fall out until Jethro was 18"+ and Gibbs was about 16" at the time.

 

[fluttermoth]

Okay, thanks, star.
 
I'll think I'll play it safe and look for something that's not another plec!

 

[star4]

I think in your case that is the best idea, because you keep your fish . I think with these they get territorial as the get bigger, I have other gibbies and commons together but under 10"