Large Pleco + Small Tetras

I'm not thinking about doing this anytime soon, but I thought it may be an interesting idea for the future, if the fish really would be compatible.
In theory, would a large pleco (8"+) be compatible in a tank with a bunch of small tetras (neon, ember, etc..)? This would be in a tank large enough to accommodate the pleco's size, of course. I know plecos are generally peaceful, but could they possibly eat such small fish? Would it be too stressful for the tetras to live with such a large tankmate?

 

Most times it would be fine I think. They are usually more aggressive towards bottom dwellers. Some plecos eat mostly wood/greens, some are more carnivorous. I think certain types are known to suck slime coat. I would just research on the kinds you like. We have a royal with our shrimp and tetras.

 

Big plecs won’t usually bother little tetras, except tetras like Neons that sleep on the bottom. If it’s under the plec’s mouth it’s food.

 

I’m assuming you mean a ‘common’. Some of the plecs are carnivorous and I wouldn’t necessarily trust them with fish small enough to eat...

 

Carnivorous plecos eat insects and worms mostly, not other fish. They will eat dead fish but they can't hunt and kill healthy fish.

 

I’m assuming you mean a ‘common’. Some of the plecs are carnivorous and I wouldn’t necessarily trust them with fish small enough to eat...

Yes, I was thinking more along the lines of the common pleco

 

The small fish should be fine. I remember a fish store containing a sailfin pleco with a large school of neons in a aquarium. Was really beautiful looking tank IMO.

 

You could always get a beautiful royal plec

 

Yes you are right they would be stressed. They do not know the pleco is unlikely to eat them if well fed.