Care guide
Caring for corydoras and plecos
Corydoras are peaceful, social bottom-dwellers; plecos and otocinclus graze algae and wood. All need clean water and sinking foods, not just leftovers.
Corydoras
Keep corydoras in groups of six or more on soft sand, which protects their whisker-like barbels. Feed sinking pellets or wafers.
Plecos and otocinclus
Bristlenose and clown plecos need driftwood to rasp, caves to hide in, and vegetables and sinking wafers. Common plecos grow huge; the smaller species here suit home tanks.
Otocinclus are delicate at first and need a mature tank with algae, in a group.
Water
They're sensitive to poor water and medications containing copper. Keep up with water changes and good filtration.
Further reading
General information to help you prepare, not veterinary advice. Every animal is different: ask an experienced vet about yours. Reviewed by PerfectPal on October 13, 2026.